Islamabad, August 15, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert over unusually high temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan, warning that the phenomenon is driving an abnormal pace of snow and glacier melting.
According to PMD data, maximum temperatures in the region are currently ranging between 7°C to 9°C above the long-term average, while minimum temperatures are also elevated by a similar margin. This sustained heatwave pattern has intensified the rate of snowmelt, posing serious hydrological and environmental challenges for the mountainous province.
By the first 10 days of August, the normal kharif season water inflow into Tarbela Reservoir is typically about 36.16 million acre-feet (MAF). However, during the ongoing kharif season of 2025, heightened temperatures have triggered massive glacier melt, resulting in 41.8 MAF of inflow so far—an excess of 5.64 MAF compared to normal levels.
Experts caution that this sharp increase in meltwater flow raises the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incidents. When snow and glaciers melt rapidly, the volume of water trapped in glacial lakes can surge, potentially breaching natural barriers and causing sudden, destructive floods downstream.
The PMD has urged authorities to remain vigilant and enhance monitoring systems in vulnerable valleys. Timely evacuation plans, community awareness campaigns, and improved disaster preparedness are being emphasized to minimize potential human and economic losses in the event of climate-driven flooding events.