KARACHI – Experts are sounding the alarm as a global weather phenomenon known as “Super El Niño” threatens to disrupt Pakistan’s climate, with Karachi likely to face the direct impact of rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), extraordinarily warm waters in the Pacific Ocean are currently shifting global weather systems. For Karachi, this means a potential surge in “real feel” temperatures and a significant shift in the upcoming monsoon season.
Climate Warning Details
The El Niño effect is expected to intensify into a ‘Super El Niño’ between August and September 2026, causing residents to face an increase in humidity and heat intensity that will make the weather feel hotter than the actual recorded temperature. Furthermore, this phenomenon historically tends to suppress summer monsoon rains across the subcontinent, leading to drier and hotter conditions than usual.
“We are expecting El Niño this coming summer. If it intensifies into a ‘Super El Niño,’ the global climate cycle could be pushed to extremes, potentially making 2027 the warmest year on record.” — Anjum Zaigham, Deputy Director, PMD.
What this means for Karachiites
The shift in patterns is expected to cause erratic monsoon seasons and altered storm behaviors. While the city often battles summer heatwaves, the “Super El Niño” factor adds a layer of unpredictability to the local climate, requiring proactive measures for heat management and water conservation.
