November 2024 has officially become the warmest November ever recorded in Pakistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The average national temperature for the month was an unprecedented 20.75°C, which is 2.89°C higher than the long-term average of 17.87°C. This marked the hottest November in 64 years, breaking the previous record of 19.87°C set back in 2011.
Daytime temperatures were particularly high, with the average maximum temperature reaching 28.05°C. This was 2.13°C above the national average of 25.92°C, making it the second-highest November daytime temperature in the past 64 years. However, the nighttime temperatures showed the most significant change. The average nighttime minimum temperature was 13.40°C, which is an extraordinary 4.07°C higher than the typical 9.33°C. This set a new record for the warmest November nights in the country.
Certain areas experienced extreme temperature highs and lows. On November 3, Turbat in Balochistan recorded the highest daily temperature of the month at 41.0°C. In Sindh, Mithi saw the highest average maximum temperature for the entire month, reaching 35.5°C. On the other hand, Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan experienced the lowest temperatures, recording -6.6°C on November 28. It also had the coldest monthly average minimum temperature at -0.9°C.
Rainfall during November remained close to normal levels. The national area-weighted total rainfall was measured at 5.6mm, slightly above average with a small positive anomaly of 8%.
These unusual weather patterns highlight the growing impact of climate change in the region. The significant rise in temperatures, especially during the night, points to shifting climate trends that could have long-term consequences for the environment, agriculture, and daily life in Pakistan.
