Rising Temperatures Increase Glacier Flood Risks In Northern Pakistan

On February 23, 2026, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning regarding the heightened risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan due to sustained above-normal temperatures. The PMD reported that from February 1 to 22, daytime temperatures were recorded at 3-5°C above normal, while nighttime temperatures were 1-3.5°C above the 1981-2010 climatological average. "The highest warming was recorded in the regions of Gilgit and Bunji," the PMD stated, emphasizing that these temperature anomalies are accelerating snow and glacier melt, particularly at mid to lower altitudes. The PMD's outlook predicts a high probability of continued above-normal temperatures, which could further increase the risk of GLOFs in vulnerable areas such as Gilgit, Ghizar, Hunza, Bunji, Chilas, and Astore, where over 7.1 million people are at risk, according to the Ministry of Climate Change.