Islamabad, September 9, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a drought warning, indicating that August 2023 was the second driest month in Pakistan in the last 63 years.
This alert comes as the country experienced a significant rainfall deficit during the month, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.
In its drought watch report, the PMD noted that overall, the country received normal rainfall up until that point. However, August 2023 stood out as an anomaly, with rainfall levels recording a severe deficit of -65.9% below the normal average.
Sindh province, in particular, relies heavily on the monsoon season, which typically spans from July to September and contributes nearly 80% of the annual rainfall. August is historically known as the second-wettest monsoon month in Pakistan. However, due to the below-normal rainfall experienced in August 2023, abnormally dry conditions, indicating a mild drought, are currently prevailing in several districts. These include Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Dadu, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Shahdad Kot, and Shaheed Benazirabad in Sindh, as well as central and southern districts of Balochistan, including Chagi, Gawadar, Harnai, Kech, Kharan, Mastung, Nushki, Pishin, Panjgur, Qila Abdullah, Quetta, and Washuk. The Cholistan region in Punjab, encompassing Bahawalpur, Bhawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan, is also affected.
The combination of low rainfall and high temperatures has led to water stress conditions, which are beginning to impact vegetation in these areas. According to climatological norms (1981-2010), Sindh, Balochistan, and Cholistan typically remain dry from October to December. Given these climatic patterns and the current seasonal forecast from the PMD, drought conditions may intensify, affecting agriculture, livestock, and sowing of Rabi crops.
Stakeholders are advised to make judicious use of water resources and take preemptive measures in disaster-prone districts. Farmers and agriculturists are encouraged to stay updated through the PMD’s website for relevant information.
The National Drought Monitoring Center (NDMC) continues to monitor the drought situation across the country and is providing regular updates to stakeholders and the general public through drought information issued on a weekly, fortnightly, and monthly basis.
No Thundershowers Predicted for Islamabad and Other Parts of Pakistan on September 8, 2023
