Rainfall surged by 51% this year

Record-breaking rain recorded in Lahore and Balochistan

KARACHI:

This year's monsoon has brought a deluge of rainfall across Pakistan, with totals soaring 51% above average with regions like Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab experiencing staggering increases of 111%, 108%, and over 48%, respectively.

Lahore made headlines on August 1, recording 337 millimetres of rain in a single day, while the city's monsoon total reached a hefty 951.1 millimetres (38 inches).

The hottest days in July were reported in Balochistan's three districts: Dalbandin, Nokkundi, and Turbat, while the coldest night was recorded in Skardu.

In August, fewer storms typically form in the Arabian Sea compared to the Bay of Bengal, making this year's tropical cyclone, known as "Sina," a rare occurrence.

The Meteorological Department has released a report detailing the monsoon rains from July 1 to September 30, stating that the tropical cyclone Sina formed in the Arabian Sea this year was indeed a unique oceanic storm. Overall, monsoon rains have exceeded the usual average of 212 millimetres by 51%.

According to the Meteorological Department, Balochistan and Sindh experienced significantly higher monsoon rainfall this year, with increases of 111% and 108%, respectively, while Punjab saw over 48% more.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded a 5% increase, and Gilgit-Baltistan experienced a 2% rise in average rainfall. However, Azad Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 21% decrease compared to average rainfall.

The report highlights that Lahore Airport recorded 337 millimetres of rain on August 1, marking the highest rainfall in the country over a 24-hour period.

In total, Lahore experienced 603 millimetres of rainfall in August alone, with an overall monsoon season total of approximately 951.1 millimetres (38 inches). It is important to note that one inch of rainfall is measured as 25.1 millimetres.

The hottest days during the monsoon were noted on July 4 in Dalbandin and Nokkundi, with temperatures reaching 49 degrees Celsius, while Turbat recorded the same temperature on July 7.

The coldest night was registered in Skardu on September 30 at 7.3 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in the country. During September, Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan) recorded a temperature of 11.1 degrees Celsius.

The average temperature in Pakistan during the monsoon is 30.59 degrees Celsius.

This year, temperatures have been 0.71 degrees Celsius higher than average, reaching 31.3 degrees Celsius.

The monsoon season has recorded unusually high temperatures for the fourth time in the past 64 years.