Islamabad: During the week of January 8 to 14, 2025, most regions of Pakistan experienced dry conditions, with rainfall reported only in Okara and Narowal.

According to a statement by Pakistan Meteorological Department, the nation received below-normal rainfall compared to historical averages from 1991 to 2020, with Chhor experiencing the highest rainfall deficit at -20 mm.

The temperature data indicated that the country generally recorded above-normal temperatures, ranging from 1 to 4°C. However, exceptions were noted in western and coastal Baluchistan, Sindh, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan, where temperatures fell up to -2°C below the norm.

Surface soil moisture levels, based on NASA’s GRACE-FO satellite observations, showed higher moisture values in most parts of Sindh and southern Punjab, whereas lower values were prevalent in other regions. These drought indicators suggest drier than average conditions in many areas.

Looking ahead, the forecast for January 15 to 20 anticipates predominantly cold and dry weather across Pakistan, with very cold conditions in hilly regions during mornings and nights. Moderate to dense fog is expected in Punjab and upper Sindh, and shallow fog in certain plain areas of Punjab. Rain and snowfall are predicted at isolated locations in Gilgit Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Balochistan, and Kashmir.