Pakistan's nights are warming faster than days, PMD report finds

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's climate has undergone significant changes over the past four decades, with temperatures rising faster at night than during the day, according to a scientific report by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The report, titled How the Climate of Pakistan has Changed: Evidence from 45-year Data Record analysed meteorological data collected across the country between 1981 and 2025. It examined changes in temperature, rainfall, fog and extreme weather events. According to the assessment, Pakistan's average temperature has increased by approximately 0.95°C since 1981. Maximum temperatures rose by around 0.20°C per decade while minimum temperatures increased at a faster rate of 0.26°C per decade. Mean temperatures rose by approximately 0.21°C per decade. The report warned that the faster increase in minimum temperatures is reducing relief from heat during nighttime, particularly in central and southern Punjab, upper Sindh and parts of Balochistan. Annual rainfall showed a modest declining trend of 7.4 millimetres per decade equivalent to roughly 33mm over the study period. However, researchers noted that the decline was not statistically significant because rainfall varied considerably from year to year. Instead of declining uniformly, rainfall appears to be shifting between different regions and seasons. Parts of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded increases, particularly during pre-monsoon and monsoon periods, while northern KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir experienced declines during several seasons. The report also identified particularly strong warming during late winter and spring. In some areas, maximum temperatures increased by as much as 1°C per decade between February and April. Extreme heat has also intensified. Some parts of Punjab, Sindh and western Balochistan now experience more than 100 days a year when temperatures exceed 40°C. Hot days increased by up to five days per decade in several regions, while nights with temperatures above 30°C increased by more than six nights per decade in parts of Punjab and Sindh. The report highlighted growing climate volatility through examples such as the 67% national rainfall deficit during winter 2024-25 and the 2022 monsoon when parts of southern Pakistan received rainfall up to 450% above average. The authors called for region-specific planning to address extreme heat, changing rainfall, floods, droughts, agriculture, water management and disaster preparedness. We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com