Impact of Extreme Temperatures on Mental and Physical Health: Insights from Karachi

Extreme temperatures pose serious challenges to both mental and physical health, especially in developing urban centers like Karachi, Pakistan. During heat waves, residents experience more than just physical discomfort; they face a range of health emergencies that affect daily life, sleep quality, mood, and community cohesion.

In Karachi, when daytime temperatures soar past 40°C inland or exceed 35°C along the coast, the health toll becomes profound. The heat often leads to a surge in heat-related illnesses, overburdening hospitals, and causing power outages that hinder emergency responses. A notable heat wave in 2015 resulted in over 1,200 deaths within a week, illustrating the lethality of extreme heat.

Residents describe nights of restless sleep in stagnant, overheated environments, leading to exhaustion and heightened emotional stress. The mental toll manifests as increased anxiety, frustration, and feelings of vulnerability, particularly among women, children, and the elderly. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or anxiety experience worsened symptoms, intensifying their distress.

The economic impact compounds the health crisis. Workplaces become unsafe, causing labor losses; supply chains falter, driving up prices for essentials like food and water. Limited access to healthcare becomes a critical issue during heat waves, as infrastructure struggles to cope with the demand.

Women often bear the brunt of these effects, managing additional caregiving roles amid physical exhaustion and emotional strain. In many households, women coordinate water sharing, care for sick family members, and ensure household safety—acts of resilience that often go unnoticed.

Communal coping strategies, such as neighbors sharing water and checking on vulnerable individuals, highlight the importance of social networks. However, these efforts are often unsustainable without structural support. The intersection of poor housing, inadequate healthcare, and weak governance amplifies vulnerability, making coping more difficult.

Health risks extend beyond immediate heat exposure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women face nutritional challenges, risking malnutrition and adverse birth outcomes. Rising temperatures deplete micronutrients and increase the likelihood of premature labor, especially in impoverished and displaced populations.

Residents emphasize the need for reliable electricity, affordable clean water, and accessible healthcare. Small interventions, including functioning fans, shaded community spaces, and health education, can significantly improve well-being.

Strengthening community networks and centering policies on women's health are crucial for building resilience. Addressing the everyday experiences of heat—such as ensuring hydration, safe sleeping environments, and mental health support—serves as a foundation for adaptation to climate challenges.

Ultimately, tackling the health impacts of extreme heat requires a comprehensive approach that combines infrastructural improvements, social initiatives, and policy reforms to safeguard vulnerable populations and promote community resilience.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-extreme-temperatures-strain-minds-bodies.html