GILGIT – July 6, 2025
In a startling sign of intensifying climate stress, two cities in Gilgit-Baltistan—Chilas and Bunji—recorded their highest-ever temperatures on Friday, smashing records that had stood for nearly three decades or more.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Chilas sizzled at 48.5°C on July 5, surpassing its previous all-time high of 47.7°C recorded on July 17, 1997. Not far behind, Bunji registered a sweltering 46.1°C, breaking its earlier record of 45.6°C, which had held since July 12, 1971.
The Met Office has warned that such extreme and persistent heat spells across the northern mountainous belt are more than just anomalies — they carry serious implications. Prolonged high temperatures can accelerate snow and glacier melt, significantly raising the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods in vulnerable valleys over the coming week.
“This isn’t just about a few degrees,” said an official from the Met Office. “These records point to a broader shift that could have disastrous consequences for communities living near glacier-fed streams and rivers.”
Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its breathtaking alpine landscape and towering peaks, is also home to some of the world’s largest non-polar glaciers. With temperatures soaring beyond historical extremes, experts are increasingly concerned about the fragile equilibrium in the region’s high-altitude ecosystems.
Authorities have advised local administrations and disaster management units to stay on high alert, particularly in areas with known glacial lakes or recent GLOF activity. Communities have been urged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel near steep valleys, and report any unusual water flow patterns immediately.
As Pakistan grapples with the growing threat of climate change, these record-breaking highs in the country’s northern frontier serve as another sobering reminder of the urgent need for environmental action and local preparedness.
