Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan recorded a historic temperature high on Saturday, with the mercury soaring to 48.5°C, breaking the previous all-time record of 47.7°C set on July 17, 1997, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed.
In a related development, Bunji (Astore) also experienced a new extreme, touching 46.1°C, surpassing its earlier record of 45.6°C from July 12, 1971. These figures mark an alarming trend of increasing heat in regions traditionally known for their cooler, alpine climates.
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Experts and officials have sounded the alarm, linking the extreme heat to worsening climate change. “Such high temperatures in northern mountainous regions are deeply concerning,” a senior PMD official said, noting the impact on glacial melt, water availability, and disaster risk.
The PMD has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that ongoing heat, combined with a developing weather system, could lead to flash floods in vulnerable valleys over the coming days.
Environmental experts stress that these record temperatures are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader pattern of rising global temperatures, with serious consequences for Pakistan’s environment, agriculture, and public safety.
The situation calls for immediate climate resilience measures and enhanced disaster preparedness.
