Balochistan braces for severe heat spell

PMD chief also predicts shortage of rainfall in the province

ISLAMABAD: “Pakistan will experience temperatures slightly higher than the normal whereas there are chances of the prevailing drought like situation in south-west Balochistan to further aggravate in the coming days due to shortage of rainfall”, said Director General Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Dr Ghulam Rasul.

While talking to The Express Tribune, DG PMD said that mercury is likely to increase by one or two degrees more than the usual temperature recorded in March., because of which temperature in the southern parts of the country will fluctuate between 37 to 38 degrees centigrade as compared to the standard 34 to 35 degrees range.

The PMD chief stated that the sudden rise in the temperatures this month is mainly because of the climate change. He warned that if temperatures continue soaring with the same pace then it is likely that during June and July, temperatures will also remain above the recorded heat.

“Though it is a bit early to predict about temperatures in June and July this year but considering the weather conditions experienced during the last few years, it seems like the situation will further aggravate,” said Ghulam Rasul.



Talking about the chances of rainfall in March he said that two to three good showers should be expected which will help in bringing down the temperature for a day or two.

Furthermore, parts of the country including upper Punjab, FATA, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa (K-P), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Kashmir are expected to receive slightly above normal precipitation with snowfall over the hilly areas of K-P, G-B and Kashmir. However the south may receive below normal to normal rainfall during the month.

He also said parts of Balochistan will experience severely high temperatures and will receive insufficient rainfall which will further worsen the current drought like conditions in areas like Dalbandin, Nokundi, Turbat, Khuzdar, Punjgur, Kharan, and Chaghi.