Dry weather expected across most parts of Pakistan: Met Office

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dry weather in plain areas of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and northern Balochistan, with rising temperature trend likely to continue in coming days.

The Met Office stated that the country is already experiencing abnormal temperatures and dry weather condition in most parts. “According to the latest atmospheric conditions, no significant rainfall is expected in plain areas of the country, and a gradual rise in day time temperatures is expected across the country up to next week,” it said.

The PMD said daytime temperatures are expected to remain 6 to 8 °C above normal in the plains of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab and northern parts of Balochistan, while in southern parts Balochistan and Sindh are also likely to remain 5 to 7°C above normal. Night time temperatures are also expected to increase during the period.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy at times cloudy weather condition with chances of light to moderate rain-thunderstorm expected in the districts of Chitral, Dir, Swat, kurum, Khyber, Mohmand, Kohistan, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Malakand, and in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on March 6 and 7 and from March 9 to 11 with occasional gaps, while in Islamabad, Pothohar region, Murree, Galliyat and surroundings on March 10 and 11.

The weather advisory department said due to prolonged dry weather, severe stress on water resources and seasonal crops, particularly the wheat crop in rain-fed areas of the country, is expected.

“The increasing temperature trend may enhance evaporation rates and water demand during the period,” it said, advising to ensure timely irrigation where available and make judicious use of water.

Farmers are advised to manage their crops according to the prevailing weather conditions. Whereas, general public and authorities concerned are advised to take necessary measures to manage water resources and address potential impacts on agriculture.