Soaring temperatures put Gilgit-Baltistan glaciers on thin ice

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – An unusual spike in temperatures across Gilgit-Baltistan has sparked fears of rapidly melting glaciers, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issuing a warning for potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

According to the latest report, temperatures in the region are 7 to 9 degrees Celsius higher than normal for this time of year. The PMD cautioned that this heatwave could speed up ice melt, raising the risk of glacier-fed lakes bursting their banks.

The report also revealed that during the Kharif season, Tarbela Dam received a record inflow of 41.8 million acre-feet of water—5.64 million acre-feet above the seasonal average.

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In several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, mercury levels have climbed as high as 37°C, a figure well above the seasonal norm.

Officials warn that unless temperatures cool down, the region could be in for a rough ride in the coming weeks.