Daytime temperatures are 3–5°C above regular, whereas nighttime have been 1–3.5°C above the 1981–2010 climatological common
Northern Pakistan is experiencing below-average rainfall and snowfall this winter, elevating issues over accelerated glacier soften and potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the Pakistan Meteorological Division (PMD) mentioned in an announcement on Monday.
In response to the PMD, diminished precipitation and extended clear-sky circumstances have contributed to unusually steady atmospheric patterns and considerably elevated temperatures throughout Gilgit-Baltistan in the course of the first three weeks of February.
Daytime temperatures have been recorded 3–5°C above regular, whereas nighttime temperatures remained 1–3.5°C above the 1981–2010 climatological common. Gilgit and Bunji have skilled the very best daytime warming, with Chilas and Bunji additionally displaying notable will increase in minimal temperatures, decreasing in a single day refreezing and accelerating snow and glacier soften at mid- to lower-altitude areas, the assertion added.
“Diminished nighttime cooling additional enhances meltwater runoff into glacial lakes. Fast melting will increase water accumulation in each moraine- and glacier-dammed lakes, elevating the probability of GLOF occasions in downstream valleys,” the PMD reported.
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The division’s outlook for February to April 2026 predicts a excessive chance of above-normal temperatures throughout northern Pakistan, together with Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Areas most in danger embody Gilgit, Ghizar, Hunza, Bunji, Chilas, and Astore.
Common temperature anomalies recorded between February 1 and 22 present daytime temperatures rising to 4.7°C above regular in Gilgit, whereas nighttime anomalies reached 3.4°C in Chilas.
The PMD mentioned it’s intently monitoring temperature tendencies, glacier soften circumstances, and hydrometeorological parameters and can problem well timed advisories to authorities and native communities.
