Analyzing the Frequency of Temperature Extremes over Pakistan in Relation to Indian Ocean Warming

Extreme temperature or heat wave events cause significant damage to socioeconomic activities and ecological systems. Over the past few decades, heatwave events in Pakistan have caused several health issues and increased mortality rates. This study analyzes the relationship and impact of temperature extremes of the northern Indian Ocean’s (IO) sea surface temperature (SST) and atmospheric temperature over land (ATL) for Pakistan. For this purpose, daily and monthly average atmospheric temperature over land (T2m) and SST were taken into account, and anomalies were calculated. It also analyzes the relationship between the Nino3.4 Index and northern IO’s SST and ATL. The seasonal (spring and summer) and monthly ( March-August) temperature extremes for Pakistan and the northern IO region have been analyzed over 5, 7, and 10-day stretch from 1979 to 2015. Results show that SST has a higher frequency of extreme temperature anomalies over different stretches of days than ATL. Temperature extreme anomalies were observed in northern IO’s SST during El Niño years. ATL was significantly prompted by SST when observed on a seasonal basis; however, an insignificant relationship was observed on a monthly basis. T2m and SST have shown a significant relationship with the Nino3.4 Index for sea and land. The results of this study would address the sustainable development goals (SDGs) focusing on hunger, good health and well-being, and climate action. It will further provide insight to policymakers for devising mitigation strategies against temperature extremes.