Islamabad: The latest drought watch bulletin from the Pakistan Meteorological Department reveals that most parts of Pakistan experienced below-normal rainfall during the second fortnight of October 2024, with temperatures remaining higher than the historical average. The regions of Gilgit Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Kashmir recorded significant rainfall, while many areas, particularly in Balochistan, Sindh, and southern Punjab, faced extended periods of dryness.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the rainfall pattern deviated from the normal of 1991-2020, with only Gilgit Baltistan, Murree, Sialkot, and Khanpur receiving above-normal precipitation. The rest of the country remained largely dry, exacerbating concerns about potential drought conditions. The analysis showed that normal rainfall across most of Pakistan typically ranges from 1 to 10 mm, with higher norms in regions like Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The temperature analysis indicated that the highest mean temperatures were recorded in southern Punjab, Sindh, and Turbat, with a general rise of 1-7°C above normal across most regions, except Mianwali. This increase in temperature, combined with reduced rainfall, resulted in extended dry spells, particularly affecting Nokundi, Turbat, and Dalbandin districts, where dry days ranged from 20 to 60.

In response to these climatic conditions, stakeholders are urged to monitor weather advisories closely and implement disaster risk reduction strategies to mitigate the impact of these weather patterns on agriculture and water resources.