ISLAMABAD – Drought alert has been issued in Pakistan due to the persistent below-normal rains for the last three months.
As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), drought conditions will likely worsen due to possible below-normal rains in December.
Overall, below-normal rainfall has been reported during last three months (Sept to Nov-2024) and Number of Consecutive Dry Days (CDDs), with rainfall less than 1.0 mm has reached up to maximum of 205-CDDs in Nokundi (Balochistan) and minimum of 95-CDDs in Shaheed Benazirabad (Sindh) and Bahawalnagar (Punjab) areas/districts till date.
Deficient rainfall has emerged as a mild meteorological drought condition over rainfed areas of country and in Sindh province: Mohenjodaro, Larkana, Rohri/Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Sanghar, Dadu, Jamshoro, Chorr, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Banazirabad and Thatta.
In Balochistan province, mild to moderate drought-like conditions have emerged in Nokundi, Dalbandin, Turbat, Jiwani, Kharan, Panjgur. Mild drought-like conditions have emerged in Punjab province, over, Potohar region, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan/Khanpur, and adjacent areas.
Below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures are expected in coming months due to which drought conditions may exacerbate in drought affected areas of Sindh and Punjab, significantly impacting agriculture and live stocks.
Long persistent dry conditions may cause water stress in the cultivated lands/areas (particularly the rainfed areas) of the country due to the limited supply of irrigation water for Rabi crops, while in Balochistan province, upcoming weather and water saving techniques may give some relief in drought-affected areas.
The PMD has advised all stakeholders to take pre-emptive measures for drought prone areas. Farmers/agriculturists are advised to keep themselves updated from PMD website.
Below normal rains, above normal temperatures likely in Pakistan during December 2024
