In a shocking yet increasingly familiar turn of events, a Pakistani city has officially recorded a blistering 50°C, making it the hottest place on Earth for the day. As climate patterns become more extreme globally, Pakistan continues to be at the forefront of regions most affected by rising temperatures. This scorching milestone not only sets a new benchmark for 2025 but also raises alarms about the growing threat of climate change in South Asia.
🔥 Which City Reached 50°C?
The city in question is Jacobabad, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Known for its dry desert-like climate, Jacobabad has a history of recording extreme temperatures. However, touching the 50°C (122°F) mark in June has once again put the spotlight on the region’s vulnerability to heatwaves.
Meteorological authorities confirmed the reading, stating it was the highest temperature recorded globally on that day, surpassing even locations in the Middle East and Africa.
📈 Temperature Snapshot: Jacobabad vs Other Hottest Cities
Rank | City | Country | Temperature (°C) | Date Recorded |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jacobabad | Pakistan | 50°C | June 12, 2025 |
2 | Basra | Iraq | 49.5°C | June 12, 2025 |
3 | Ahvaz | Iran | 49.2°C | June 12, 2025 |
4 | Death Valley | USA | 48.8°C | June 12, 2025 |
5 | Riyadh | Saudi Arabia | 48.5°C | June 12, 2025 |
🌍 Climate Change and the Heatwave Crisis
Jacobabad is often referred to as a “climate hotspot”, and for good reason. The city has previously made headlines for being “almost unlivable” during summer months, with dangerously high wet-bulb temperatures — a metric that combines heat and humidity and can be fatal to humans when too high.
Key Climate Facts:
- Pakistan is among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change.
- Heatwaves have increased in frequency and intensity over the last decade.
- Urban areas face the “urban heat island” effect, worsening temperatures.
- Low-income populations in cities like Jacobabad face increased health risks due to inadequate access to cooling infrastructure.
🧑⚕️ Health Impact and Emergency Measures
Such extreme temperatures can be deadly. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to temperatures above 45°C can cause:
- Heatstroke
- Dehydration
- Cardiovascular stress
- Respiratory issues
To address this, local government and health departments issued:
- Heatwave alerts through local media
- Set up cooling centers and water booths
- Encouraged residents to stay indoors between 11AM to 5PM
- Mobilized emergency medical teams in affected areas
💡 What Needs to Be Done?
Pakistan’s battle with climate change is multi-faceted. Solutions need to include both immediate heatwave management and long-term climate resilience strategies.
Recommended Actions:
- Urban tree plantation campaigns
- Investment in renewable energy and green infrastructure
- Improved weather forecasting systems
- Nationwide awareness programs on heatwave safety
📣 Voices from the Ground
Residents of Jacobabad expressed their distress:
“We can’t breathe in the afternoon. It feels like we are walking in an oven,” said a local rickshaw driver.
“Our children and elderly are at risk. We need more shelters and water points,” a mother of three stated.
🧠 Conclusion
The 50°C temperature in Jacobabad is not just a weather record — it’s a climate emergency warning. With global temperatures on the rise, such events are no longer rare anomalies but a new normal we must urgently adapt to. It’s a call to action for climate-conscious policy, community preparedness, and international cooperation.