Met Office forecasts heavy rains for drought-hit Balochistan in December

The Balochistan Meteorological Department has issued an encouraging outlook for the province’s drought-stricken regions, forecasting heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in December.

Officials said a strong system of western winds is expected to bring the first significant spell of winter rains between December 6 and 10, with intermittent showers likely to continue throughout the month. According to meteorologists, the anticipated rainfall could provide substantial relief to drought-hit districts including Zhob, Sherani, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibi, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Qila Saifullah, Chagai, Noshki, Washuk and Mastung.

Some areas may experience heavy downpours along with thunder, while higher altitudes could receive snowfall. Experts noted that northwestern winds are unusually active this year, and steady moisture from the Arabian Sea is expected to support a prolonged and beneficial rainy pattern. The rains may help replenish dams and groundwater reserves across the province.

The forecast has sparked cautious optimism among farmers, herders and rural communities grappling with persistent water scarcity. In several areas, residents gathered in mosques to offer voluntary prayers, seeking greenery and renewed water supplies.

The department, however, urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly those living near streams and seasonal water channels, warning that heavy showers could trigger flash flooding.

Balochistan has been reeling from prolonged drought, with 12 districts classified under severe drought conditions. Last month, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued an advisory urging the provincial government to take pre-emptive measures in vulnerable areas.

According to the Met Office, Balochistan’s climate ranges from arid to semi-arid, marked by highly erratic rainfall, sharp temperature variations and extended dry spells. Southwestern and southern parts of the province receive little benefit from the summer monsoon and rely heavily on winter showers, with annual rainfall between 71 and 231 millimetres.

Between May and October 2025, these regions recorded a below-normal rainfall deficit of 79 per cent, alongside a marked increase in consecutive dry days—factors that have intensified drought conditions. The PMD report summarises the rainfall departures and the spike in dry spells across the affected districts.