In Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh, temperatures soared above 52 degrees Celsius (125.6 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the highest reading of the summer and nearing the country’s

record high. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported this extreme temperature on Monday, highlighting the ongoing heat wave's intensity.

Throughout Asia, extreme temperatures over the past month have been exacerbated by human-driven climate change, according to a team of international scientists. In the town of Mohenjo Daro, renowned for its archaeological sites dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization of 2500 BC, temperatures hit 52.2 C (126 F) in the last 24 hours, as reported by senior meteorological official Shahid Abbas.

This temperature is the highest recorded this summer, nearing the town's and the country's record highs of 53.5 C (128.3 F) and 54 C (129.2 F) respectively.

Mohenjo Daro, a small town known for its scorching summers, mild winters, and low rainfall, typically sees bustling activity in its limited markets, including bakeries, tea shops, mechanics, electronic repair shops, and fruit and vegetable sellers. However, the current heat wave has drastically reduced foot traffic.

Wajid Ali, 32, who owns a tea stall in the town, lamented the impact of the heat on his business. "Customers are not coming to the restaurant because of the extreme heat. I sit idle at the restaurant with these tables and chairs and without any customers," he said. "I take baths several times a day for a little relief. Also, there is no power. The heat has made us very uneasy."

Nearby, Abdul Khaliq, 30, runs an electronic repair shop with its shutter half down to block the sun. He also complained about the heat's adverse effect on business.

Local doctor Mushtaq Ahmed noted that while locals have adapted to living in such extreme conditions, they prefer to stay indoors or near water during heat waves.

Rubina Khursheed Alam, the prime minister’s coordinator on climate, emphasized Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change. "Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country to the impact of climate change. We have witnessed above normal rains, floods," she said at a recent news conference, adding that the government is conducting awareness campaigns due to the heat waves.

In 2017, Pakistan recorded its highest temperature of 54 C (129.2 F) in the city of Turbat, located in the southwestern province of Balochistan. This was the second hottest temperature ever recorded in Asia and the fourth highest in the world, according to Sardar Sarfaraz, Chief Meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

While the heat wave is expected to subside in Mohenjo Daro and surrounding areas, another spell is anticipated to affect other regions in Sindh, including Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. Photo by Ravikan Rao (Ravikiranr), Wikimedia commons.