Pakistan’s average temperature has risen by nearly 0.95°C since 1981, according to a new scientific report by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The study found that nighttime temperatures are increasing faster than daytime temperatures, reducing relief from heat across many regions.
The report, titled How the Climate of Pakistan Has Changed: Evidence from 45-Year Data Record, examined weather observations from 1981 to 2025. Researchers analysed temperature, rainfall, fog and extreme weather events to assess long-term climate trends.
According to the findings, maximum temperatures increased by 0.20°C per decade. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures rose by 0.26°C per decade. Consequently, warmer nights have become more common in central and southern Punjab, upper Sindh and Balochistan.
Report Highlights Shifting Rainfall Patterns
The study recorded a modest decline of 7.4 millimetres in annual rainfall per decade. However, researchers noted that the decrease was not statistically significant because rainfall fluctuated considerably from year to year.
Instead, the report highlighted increasingly uneven rainfall patterns across regions and seasons. Punjab, Sindh and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa generally experienced higher rainfall levels. In contrast, northern KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir recorded declines during several seasons.
Extreme Weather Events Become More Frequent
The report also found that extreme heat has intensified across Pakistan. Some areas now experience more than 100 days annually with temperatures exceeding 40°C. As a result, concerns over heat-related risks continue to grow.
Researchers cited the severe winter rainfall shortage during 2024-25 and the exceptionally wet monsoon season of 2022 as examples of increasing climate volatility. Therefore, the report called for region-specific planning to address floods, droughts, heatwaves and water management challenges.
The findings underscore the need for stronger climate adaptation measures as Pakistan faces increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
