ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is predicted to receive long-awaited rainfall and snowfall this week, bringing relief to drought-hit regions after months of unusually dry weather.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rain and thunderstorms in southwestern Balochistan and northern areas, with snowfall expected in the country’s upper parts on Wednesday and Thursday.
According to PMD, rain and wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over hills is expected in Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta and other parts of the province.
The Met Office announced that following a prolonged dry spell, a frontal weather system is expected to move into the northern regions of the country on February 19th, and will remain in the area until February 21st.
Rain with a few heavy snowfalls is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from the 19th to the 21st of February. Moreover, rainfall and snowfall in northern parts of Punjab are expected from the 19th to the 21st of February.
However, it said dry weather will prevail in most parts of Sindh during the period. However, gusty winds are expected along the coastal areas.
Last month the PMD issued an alert about emerging drought conditions in the country after scarce rainfall. Met Office stated that drought conditions emerging in the country as Pakistan received below normal rainfall (-40%) from 01st September 2024 to 15th Jan 2025 period across the country.
Sindh province received 52% lesser rainfall during the period, the PMD said in its report about drought conditions.
The recent rainfall across the country did not bring substantial rain to the plains, worsening the drought conditions.
According to the PMD, Balochistan received 45% less rainfall, while Punjab saw a 42% reduction compared to normal levels. The Met Department has warned that mild drought-like conditions have developed in several regions of the country.
The Met Department has also viewed that the second half of this season, from January to March, will be dry compared to the first half.
It said the above-normal temperatures may contribute to the intensification of mild drought conditions into moderate drought, particularly in the rainfed areas of the country.
