KARACHI: A looming “Super El Niño” has raised global alarm, with climate experts warning that Pakistan may face significant environmental and weather-related challenges in the coming months.
Driven by unusually warm waters in the Pacific Ocean, the El Niño phenomenon is already disrupting global weather systems.
These shifts are expected to have a pronounced impact on Karachi, potentially triggering erratic monsoon patterns, prolonged heatwaves, and changes in storm intensity and frequency.
Meteorologists caution that the city’s “feels like” or real-feel temperatures could rise sharply due to increased humidity and heat associated with a potential Super El Niño phase.
This could place additional stress on public health systems, water resources, and energy demand, particularly during peak summer months.
Anjum Zaigham, Deputy Director at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, noted that current projections indicate the development of El Niño conditions this summer, with a possible escalation into a “Super El Niño” between August and September.
He explained that El Niño events typically suppress monsoon rainfall across South Asia, increasing the risk of drought-like conditions in some regions while intensifying heat extremes.
“If a Super El Niño develops, 2027 could potentially become the warmest year on record,” Zaigham warned.
Experts also caution that such extreme climate patterns may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in Pakistan, including water scarcity, agricultural stress, and urban heat island effects.
Authorities are being urged to strengthen preparedness measures, improve early warning systems, and promote climate resilience strategies to mitigate potential impacts.
