Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has released its weekly drought update, detailing mixed weather patterns across the country for the week of October 22 to 30, 2024. While parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir received above-normal rainfall, Sindh and Balochistan experienced dry conditions, contributing to ongoing drought concerns.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, the uneven distribution of rainfall has led to varied hydrological conditions across the regions. Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and most of Gilgit Baltistan enjoyed plentiful rains, which were above the normal levels from the 1991-2020 period. However, Sindh, Balochistan, lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Gilgit and Astore in Gilgit Baltistan recorded rainfall deficits ranging from 1 to 12 mm below the norm.
Temperature analyses from the same period show that most of the country experienced above-normal temperatures, with increases ranging from 1 to 6°C. Particular areas like Parachinar and Zhob saw even more significant spikes, with temperatures 6 to 9°C above normal.
The PMD’s report also highlighted the spatial distribution of normal rainfall and temperatures across Pakistan, with the western regions of Balochistan receiving significantly less precipitation historically. Additionally, surface soil moisture levels measured up to late September 2024, based on NASA’s GRACE-FO satellite observations, indicate low moisture content in most parts of the country except for portions of Balochistan and Sindh, which could exacerbate drought conditions if trends continue.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the first week of October predicts mainly hot and dry conditions nationwide, although isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected on October 5 in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, the Potohar region, and northeast Punjab.
For further details and ongoing updates, the PMD encourages the public to visit their official website and the National Drought Monitoring Centre’s page.