Experts emphasize the need for immediate policy interventions, efficient water management strategies, and support for affected communities to navigate the growing risks posed by climate change and erratic weather patterns.
Pakistan is grappling with an increasing risk of drought as the country experiences a significant decline in rainfall, with a 40 per cent deficit recorded over the past four months. The shortfall, affecting various provinces differently, is raising concerns over worsening drought conditions and an earlier onset of summer.
According to the Meteorological Department, the period from September 1 to January 15 saw a drastic reduction in rainfall, with Sindh experiencing a 52 per cent decrease and Balochistan witnessing a 45 per cent shortfall. Punjab recorded a 42 per cent decline, while other regions also faced varying degrees of deficit. The lack of adequate rainfall has already begun to manifest in drought-like conditions, especially in areas heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture.
Drought Conditions in Multiple Regions
Several regions, including Punjab’s Pothohar, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Multan, are already showing early signs of drought. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming weeks, particularly in areas dependent on rainfall for agricultural activities. In Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Sargodha, similar trends have been observed, adding to concerns over water shortages and agricultural disruptions.
In Sindh, major cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Badin are also beginning to experience the effects of reduced rainfall. Likewise, multiple towns in Balochistan are exhibiting early-stage drought conditions, with fears that the crisis could deepen if dry weather persists. The Meteorological Department has warned that if the current trend continues, widespread drought and extreme heatwaves could follow, further straining water resources and livelihoods.
Dry Conditions to Persist
While drought risks rise, Pakistan is also set to experience a spell of cold and dry weather in most parts of the country. The Meteorological Department forecasts chilly conditions with limited rainfall, except for some areas in the northern regions where light rain and snowfall are expected.
Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are likely to receive rain and snowfall in the coming days. Higher-altitude areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, and Waziristan are expected to witness light snowfall, adding a temporary respite to the prolonged dry spell in other parts of the country.
In Punjab, the cold and dry conditions will persist, with no significant rainfall expected. Similarly, Sindh will continue to experience dry weather, exacerbating existing water scarcity issues. Balochistan’s higher altitudes, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Barkhan, and Chagai, may witness light rain and snowfall, but most districts will remain cold and dry.
Islamabad and its surrounding regions are forecasted to experience cold weather with partly cloudy skies. The northern parts of the country, including Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are expected to remain overcast with intermittent rain and snowfall, offering some relief from the persistent dry conditions.
Potential Impacts
Experts warn that the prolonged lack of rainfall could have severe consequences, particularly for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which heavily relies on monsoon and seasonal rains. Reduced water availability could lead to lower crop yields, food shortages, and increased economic hardships for farmers. Additionally, the anticipated early arrival of summer due to rising temperatures could further intensify drought conditions, putting pressure on water reservoirs and irrigation systems.
The Meteorological Department has urged authorities to take proactive measures to manage water resources efficiently and mitigate the impact of prolonged dryness. Local governments are advised to monitor drought-prone areas closely and implement contingency plans to address water scarcity issues.
As Pakistan braces for a challenging period ahead, experts emphasize the need for immediate policy interventions, efficient water management strategies, and support for affected communities to navigate the growing risks posed by climate change and erratic weather patterns.
