Islamabad, Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in most parts of Pakistan last week, with some areas experiencing slightly above-normal levels. This helped alleviate flash drought conditions in Punjab, western Sindh, and parts of Balochistan.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the recent rainfall has had a varied impact across the country. Regions such as GB, KP, Mianwali, Sargodha, and Bahawalnagar in Punjab, and Benazirabad in Sindh received slightly more than the usual precipitation. In contrast, other areas saw less than the expected rainfall. The updated information was detailed in the department’s monthly bulletin for May.
The report also noted changes in temperature patterns. The mean temperatures ranged from normal to 4°C higher across most of the country, with Sindh and southern Punjab reaching above 34°C, and Sibbi in Balochistan hitting 37°C. However, GB, northwestern KP, central Sindh, and Nokundi in Balochistan recorded below-normal temperatures.
Looking ahead, from June 10th to 16th, the forecast predicts predominantly hot and dry weather for most of the plains in Pakistan. The southern regions might face extremely hot conditions, but there will be isolated rain-wind/thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, and Kohistan, which could include dust and wind storms. This weather pattern might re-trigger flash drought-like conditions in vulnerable areas of Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan.