Extreme temperatures up to 48°C expected as Pakistan braces for heat stress, glacier melt and flash flood risks
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather advisory for May 26–31, warning of severe heatwave conditions, accelerated glacier melting, flash floods and landslides across multiple regions of Pakistan.
According to the advisory issued through the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), temperatures are expected to rise sharply across the country, with mercury levels likely ranging between 40°C and 48°C. Southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain under intense heat stress during the forecast period.
The NDMA said provincial disaster management authorities had already initiated precautionary measures in line with federal directives to manage potential emergencies arising from extreme weather conditions.
Public awareness campaigns have been launched, while emergency response teams, cooling centres and medical preparedness arrangements are being strengthened nationwide.
The authority noted that moist western weather systems may bring light rainfall to northern areas, including the Pothohar region, but rising temperatures in mountainous zones are accelerating glacier melt.
Regions including Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir face heightened risks of landslides, flash floods and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
High-risk areas identified include Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and parts of Azad Kashmir. Key transport routes such as the Karakoram Highway, Skardu Road, Shigar Valley Road and Deosai Road may face temporary closures due to landslides and debris flow.
The NDMA also warned that sensitive locations including Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Passu and Shimshal could experience disruptions due to unstable slopes.
Authorities said rapid glacier melting could trigger flood-like situations in several valleys including Darkot, Lasht, Reshun, Booni, Shisper, Golgin and Kumrat, while river systems in Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan may see unusually high water flows.
In southern regions, extreme heatwave conditions are expected in districts across Sindh including Jacobabad, Dadu, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas and Umerkot.
In Balochistan, areas such as Sibi, Turbat, Chagai, Naseerabad and Jaffarabad are also forecast to experience severe temperatures, while parts of Punjab including Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Lahore, Jhang and Sahiwal are likely to face intensified heat stress.
The NDMA directed all relevant institutions to ensure emergency preparedness and preventive measures across vulnerable regions.
The authority also issued public guidance recommending light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing to reduce heat absorption and improve ventilation during extreme temperatures.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas prone to landslides and road closures.
The NDMA further urged residents and tourists to monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
It also encouraged the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for verified information, safety guidelines and emergency alerts.
