Northern Pakistan breaks heat records as Gilgit-Baltistan hits 48.5°C

Northern Pakistan recorded some of its highest temperatures ever on Saturday, with Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chilas district reaching 48.5°C (119.3°F), breaking a 28-year-old record, according to the Meteorological Department.

The Bunji area also set a new high at 46.1°C, surpassing its previous record from 1971. Other regions including Nokkundi, Sibbi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dadu, and Dera Ismail Khan saw temperatures above 44°C.

Officials warn that the intense heat could speed up snow and glacier melting, raising the risk of floods and flash floods in nearby valleys over the coming week.

Gilgit-Baltistan, home to some of the world’s tallest mountains like K2, is a popular destination for tourists and climbers.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority has issued flood warnings for parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Murree, Galliyat, Manshera, and Islamabad/Rawalpindi, as heavy rain is expected on Sunday.

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