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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that above-normal temperatures in northern Pakistan could accelerate glacial melt and heighten the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable mountain communities. In its latest assessment, the Met Office reported that rainfall and snowfall across northern regions remained below normal during the winter season, in line with its earlier seasonal forecast. Persistent clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions during the first three weeks of February have driven temperatures significantly higher than average across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). From February 1 to 22, daytime temperatures were recorded 3&ndash;5&deg;C above normal, while nighttime temperatures remained 1&ndash;3.5&deg;C higher than the 1981&ndash;2010 climatological average. The highest warming was observed in Gilgit and Bunji. Chilas and Bunji also experienced notable increases in minimum temperatures, limiting overnight refreezing, a key natural process that helps stabilize snowpacks and glaciers. According to the PMD, sustained above-normal temperatures are accelerating snow and glacial melt, particularly at mid-to-lower altitudes. Reduced nighttime cooling is further increasing meltwater runoff into glacial lakes. Rapid melting contributes to rising water levels in moraine-and glacier-dammed lakes, increasing the likelihood of GLOF events in downstream valleys. The department&rsquo;s February&ndash;April 2026 outlook indicates a high probability of continued above-normal temperatures across northern Pakistan, including GB and Kashmir. If the warming trend persists, authorities fear an elevated risk of GLOFs in districts such as Gilgit, Ghizar, Hunza, Bunji, Chilas and Astore. The PMD said it is closely monitoring temperature trends, glacier melt conditions and other hydrometeorological indicators and will issue advisories to relevant authorities and local communities as needed. Temperature data collected between February 1 and 22 showed average readings of 4.7&deg;C in Gilgit, 4.5&deg;C in Bunji and 4.3&deg;C in Astore. Chilas recorded an average of 4.1&deg;C, while Gupis and Skardu each recorded 3.1&deg;C, the Met Office said Minimum temperatures remained well above historical norms across most stations. Environmentalists in the region say the warming trend reflects a broader shift in snowfall patterns over the past three years. Snowfall has increasingly been delayed until mid-January or February, with overall accumulation declining. According to GBEPA data, the average temperature in GB rose by approximately 0.6&deg;C between 1987 and 2013. In recent years, the region has witnessed an increase in flash floods, accelerated glacial melt and climate-linked disasters. Last summer, rapidly melting glaciers, GLOFs and cloudburst incidents caused widespread damage across parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, underscoring the growing vulnerability of mountain communities to climate change. With another warmer-than-normal season forecast, experts warn that residents living downstream of rivers and glacial lakes may face heightened risks in the months ahead.

Climate & Environment

The Met Office reports that rainfall and snowfall across northern regions remained below normal during the winter season, in line with its earlier seasonal forecast. Persistent clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions during the first three weeks of February have driven temperatures significantly higher than average across Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). 

Met Office warns of rising GLOF risk as temperatures surge in Gilgit-Baltistan

<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is experiencing one of its most challenging winter spells on Tuesday as a powerful westerly weather system continues to unleash heavy rain and ongoing snowfall across northern, northwestern, and mountainous regions, triggering large-scale military and civilian rescue operations while authorities brace for more severe weather ahead. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC) in its daily forecast said that &ldquo;a westerly wave is affecting the upper parts of the country and likely to persist in northern parts till tomorrow.&rdquo; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to NWFC, the upper parts of the country, including Malam Jabba, Parachinar, and Gupis, saw temperatures dip to -7&deg;C, Bagrote at -6&deg;C, followed closely by Kalam and Rawalakot at -5&deg;C, while the temperature in Muree and Skardu remained -3&deg;C, followed by -1&deg;C in Quetta. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Balochistan is also expected to remain under heavy rain and snowfall until January 27, with moderate rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast &ldquo;heavy snowfall, road closure/ slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai and Zhob from 26th to 27th January.&rdquo; The advisory highlights the possibility of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the period. National Highways and Motorways Police also shared a series of posts on the social media platform X, highlighting how the motorway police were &ldquo;engaged in ensuring smooth flow of traffic&rdquo; amid heavy snowfall in the upper parts of the country.<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 2;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(65, 65, 65); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 549.991px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2016011585396080883&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=6156b2fea1c886033d3c306b66d1f8e78acfc85c&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 576px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The advisory also urges tourists to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. According to the Met Office, daytime temperatures are likely to drop during the period. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The weather phenomenon<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Western disturbances are extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that bring sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, driven by the westerlies. The moisture in these storms usually originates over the Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These weather systems are the main drivers of rainfall across Pakistan and northwest India during the winter and post-monsoon seasons, with winter precipitation particularly important for agriculture, particularly for rabi crops. However, excessive precipitation due to western disturbances can cause crop damage, landslides, floods and avalanches. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Massive rescue operations underway<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The National Disaster Management Authority&#39;s National Emergencies Operation Centre has warned of rain and snowfall across the northern and western regions, and has directed authorities to remain on alert for rescue operations and road restoration in view of potential risks. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NDMA forecasts cold and dry weather in Punjab with night and morning fog likely over plain areas from Jan. 24-28. <figure id="isPasted"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/d9ceb22a-973d-4397-8892-b26cb646ceb4-Screenshot 2026-01-27 135616.png" alt="Weather Advisory from January 23rd - 28th (NDMA)" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><figcaption>Weather Advisory from January 23rd - 28th (NDMA)</figcaption></figure><span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Balochistan emergency response<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heavy snowfall in the scenic tourist city of Ziarat stranded a large number of tourists at various locations, prompting the Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) to launch a rescue and relief operation. Severe snowfall disrupted road connectivity across the area, trapping tourists in various parts of Ziarat. Rescue teams promptly reached affected areas and safely evacuated stranded tourists to secure locations. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the operation, tourists were provided with immediate medical assistance, while essential medicines were supplied to children and sick individuals. FC personnel continued relief activities without interruption, including road clearance and the recovery of stranded vehicles, despite harsh weather conditions. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pakistan Army has carried out relief operations in Orakzai and Kurram districts amidst heavy rains and snowfall, according to Radio Pakistan. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During heavy snowfall in Orakzai District, the army cleared blocked roads on an emergency basis. In Kurram District, Pakistan Army swiftly launched a rescue operation and restored an eight-kilometer road using heavy machinery, where many were severely affected by the snowfall. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manato Sadda road had been completely blocked, stranding numerous vehicles, Radio Pakistan reported. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pakistan Army conducted a prompt operation, safely evacuating passengers and vehicles to secure locations.

Motorway officials are seen clearing out snow from a section of the E-35 Hazara Expressway on January 27. (X/@NHMPofficial)

Travel is disrupted, and lower temperatures prompt large-scale military and civilian relief efforts as authorities warn of more severe weather ahead.

Severe winter storm grips northern Pakistan, triggers rescue operations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a weather advisory on Thursday warning of rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms across Punjab from January 16 to 19. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2011820295493996969&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=49e9bda95686ba52c3a7aaea246b04d5c3fb00c8&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 921px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>According to the advisory, light to moderate rainfall is forecast in the central, upper, and southern parts of the province.&nbsp; Hailstorms may occur in parts of central and upper Punjab, while Murree and Galiyat are likely to receive rain with snowfall. Thunderstorms with light rain are expected in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The PDMA said scattered rain and windstorms may affect Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur, with a further drop in temperatures expected in rain-hit areas. From Jan. 20 to 23, rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms are likely across most districts of Punjab, according to the advisory. Possible impacts and public advisory The authority warned that snowfall in Murree and Galiyat could disrupt traffic and routine activities. Fog may reduce visibility in several areas, while landslides and slippery road conditions may pose risks in hilly regions. Authorities have been directed to remain on alert. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during storms and contact Rescue 1122 or the PDMA helpline at 1129 in emergencies.

File: Snowfall in Pakistan (Wikimedia Commons)

Pakistan's Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA)  warned of rain, hail, and thunderstorms across Punjab with snowfall in Murree and Galiyat, urging caution and emergency preparedness nationwide.

Articles tagged with "Weather advisory"

Met Office warns of rising GLOF risk as temperatures surge in Gilgit-Baltistan

Severe winter storm grips northern Pakistan, triggers rescue operations

Weather advisory issued for rain, hail across Punjab