Pakistan’s drought risk heightens due to 40% drop in rainfall
A plant sprouts between the cracked ground of La Vinuela reservoir during a severe drought in La Vinuela, Spain August 8, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS
Pakistan is facing a growing risk of drought, following a significant reduction in rainfall across the country.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall has been 40% lower than usual over the last four months, with varying degrees of shortage recorded across provinces, Express News reported.
The period from 1st September to 15th January saw a 52% drop in Sindh, while Balochistan experienced a 45% decrease. In Punjab, the shortfall was recorded at 42%.
This rainfall deficit is also likely to bring forward the summer season, with rising temperatures expected in the coming days.
In several areas of Punjab, such as Pothohar, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Multan, light drought conditions have already begun to emerge. These conditions are expected to worsen, particularly in rain-dependent areas.
In other regions, including Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Sargodha, similar signs of drought have been noted. Major cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Badin in Sindh, as well as various towns in Balochistan, are also experiencing early-stage drought conditions.
The Meteorological Department has warned that if the current trend of low rainfall continues, the situation could deteriorate further, exacerbating the risk of widespread drought and heatwaves in the near future.
Moroever, Pakistan is set to experience cold and dry weather across most regions, with light rain and snowfall expected in select northern areas.
According to the Meteorological Department, the weather will remain chilly and dry in the majority of the country, with cloud cover in some places.
Regions such as Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) will see rain and snow in the coming days.
Light snowfall is expected in the higher mountain regions, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, and Waziristan.
In Punjab, the weather will remain cold and dry, with no significant rainfall expected. Similarly, areas in Sindh are likely to experience cold and dry conditions.
In Balochistan, most districts will see cold weather with some cloud cover, with light rain and snow possible in the higher altitudes, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Barkhan, and Chagai.
Islamabad and its surrounding areas will experience cold weather, with the possibility of partly cloudy skies. The northern regions of the country, including Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are expected to remain overcast with intermittent rain and snowfall.