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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Pakistan is bracing for potentially record-breaking heat this week, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 120°F (49°C) in central and southern regions
• The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings as parts of the country approach the all-time April record of 122°F, set in Nawabshah in 2018
• Extreme heat is also spreading across South Asia and the Middle East, affecting over 20 countries
🔭 The context: This intense heat wave is driven by a persistent high-pressure system spanning from the Middle East into South Asia, effectively trapping heat
• Similar heat episodes have become more frequent in the region, particularly as global temperatures trend upwards
• April 2025 is already tracking significantly above average in many regions, continuing a pattern established during 2024’s record warmth
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This event underscores the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme heat events linked to climate change
• South Asia, with dense populations and limited adaptive infrastructure, is especially vulnerable to heat-related health risks and agricultural stress
• Such extremes can severely impact water availability, food security, and energy systems, particularly in countries already facing climate resilience challenges
⏭️ What's next: The heat is expected to peak mid-week in Pakistan before moving eastward toward Central and East Asia, with countries like Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan forecast to exceed 100°F
• Authorities across affected regions may issue additional advisories or emergency responses
• International attention may turn to the adequacy of current heat mitigation strategies as global temperatures continue to rise
💬 One quote: “This kind of heat in April, even if brief, is a troubling sign of how fast our climate is changing,” — Maximiliano Herrera, weather historian and climate data specialist
📈 One stat: Global temperatures have been above average for 63% of the planet so far this April, with 116 countries experiencing warmer-than-average conditions
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