Rainfall to dispel drought fears, smog

Met Department says rains expected last week of January and first week of February to break smog cycle

ISLAMABAD:

 

Dispelling concerns of a potential drought, Director General of the Meteorological Department Sahib Din on Wednesday assured that there was no imminent threat of it as the country braces itself for a spell of rainfall in the coming days.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Mr Din expressed optimism about the weather forecast, predicting a positive change in the meteorological conditions.

According to him, a new weather system is set to sweep across Pakistan from its western borders, bringing much-needed precipitation to various regions.

He highlighted that this anticipated rainfall, expected in the last week of January and the first week of February, will effectively break the ongoing smog cycle.

Currently, the plains of Punjab are experiencing a series of fog due to the dry winter conditions.

Mr Din explained that this fog, driven by the wind, has also enveloped Islamabad and adjacent hilly areas. However, he assured the public that substantial rainfall in the next few days will significantly improve the weather conditions.

Read: Drought exacerbates twin cities’ water woes

Addressing concerns about a potential drought, Din dismissed the notion, emphasising the country's resilient irrigation system. He pointed out that the canal system ensures water supply to crops, mitigating the risk of drought.

He said that the country’s irrigation system is so robust that even in dry winters, we can sustain our agricultural needs.

He further elaborated that the risk of drought arises when there is an absence of rainfall for three or four consecutive years.

However, he said that Pakistan experienced favourable monsoons last year, coupled with promising rainfall this year. "Our country has had good rains last year too, and this year we have monsoon as well.

Hopefully, the weather will improve," he added.