Climate of the Gilgit-Baltistan Province, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study focuses on the climate conditions of Gilgit Baltistan. It includes the distribution of different weather elements like precipitation, temperature, number of rainy days, humidity, wind speed, air pressure, evapotranspiration, sunshine, factors affecting climate, and climate classification. Due to glaciation, the area is badly eroded and consists of deep valleys and moraines. There is a marked variability between the climates of the eastern and western observatories of the area. Mostly, terrace agriculture is practiced in the area with deciduous and alpine forests. Based on temperature, the area has been divided into three distinct climate regions, namely, mild, cool, and cold. Whereas, based on precipitation, it classified into arid, semi-arid and undifferentiated highlands. Chilas is the hottest area of the province, while Astor and Skardu are the coldest. The study area receives heavy precipitation from local thunderstorms, particularly during April and May. There are four rainy seasons, namely winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post monsoon precipitation. The highest precipitation in the area is observed at Astore, while the lowest at Gupis. The relative humidity is below 55% throughout the year and causes chill with low temperature and cracking in human skins. Based on the variability of weather elements, the province has been divided into three macro, three meso and six micro climate regions.