The chief meteorologist of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned against a significant increase in temperature in the coming months in the country, claiming that forecasts indicate that temperatures can increase from 3 ° C to 5 ° C above normal levels.
Speaking at a press conference, chief meteorologist Muhammad AFZAL revealed that winter precipitation had been recorded 42% below normal, Sindh receiving 63% less rain, Balutchistan 53% and Punjab 41%.
The alarming drop in precipitation has pushed dams and water tanks at dead levels, which raises concerns about the availability of water for agriculture and domestic use.
AFZAL also warned that precipitation lower than normal are expected in the northern regions, exacerbating the water crisis. The shortage could lead to crop failures, the spread of diseases and a negative impact on wildlife. He urged the public to use wisdom to mitigate the crisis.
Large metropolitan areas will experience heat waves due to the effect of the urban heat island, accelerating drought conditions.
Intense heat can also accelerate the fusion of glaciers, temporarily increasing the flows of the river but increasing the risk of lighting flood lighting (GLOF) and sudden floods in northern areas.
Pakistan generally receives 19.4% of its annual precipitation between April and June, but precipitation lower than the average are expected this year, which could contribute to the exhaustion of groundwater, especially in the regions fed to rain.
In addition, the training of cyclone above the Oman Sea cannot be excluded in May due to the increase in temperatures on the sea surface.
During the Eidul Fitr holidays, most of the country’s parts will experience hot and dry weather, with temperatures likely to stay 2 to 3 ° C above normal. In Karachi, daytime temperatures can increase from 3 ° C to 4 ° C above normal levels, adding to discomfort for citizens.
A wet spell of rain, thunderstorms and snowfall on the mountains is expected in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, cashmere and northern Punjab on March 26 to 27.
Areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan and Mansehra can receive moderate to strong precipitation, while dust storms and thunderstorms are also probably above the plains of Punjab.
Strong precipitation in northern areas could cause sudden floods in certain regions, while wind storms, hailstorms and lightning have a risk for electric posts, trees, vehicles, solar panels and standing crops. Field landslides and slippery conditions can also affect mountain areas.
The authorities and stakeholders concerned were invited to implement precautionary measures to treat the impacts of the increase in temperatures, heat waves and water shortages.
Public awareness campaigns should be launched to inform communities about preparation for heat waves and water conservation. The Met Office urged the public to remain hydrated, to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure and to keep water to reduce the impact of the imminent crisis.