The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted the last days of June are expected to be wetter than the long-term average, with 2-3 spells of rainfall expected in Northeast Punjab, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan.
With the pre-monsoon season continuing during the second half of June, temperatures are expected to drop by 2-4 °C as compared to the first half of the month. The Met department has also predicted the monsoons will start from June 30. They are expecting it to be more active during the first half as compared to the second half of the season.
As per the ‘Outlook for Summer Monsoon (July – Sep) 2018’ report released by the Met office, the northern areas are expected to receive normal to slightly above average rainfall than the long-term average, while the southern parts of the country are likely to receive near-normal rainfall in the first half of the season.
Talking about the second half, the report suggests that below normal and largely below normal rainfall can be expected in Northern and Southern Pakistan respectively.
The prevailing temperature conditions across the country are expected to trigger extreme rainfall events in Punjab and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In the wake of the recent water shortage issues, the Met Office has advised authorities to take proper measures for storing water during the monsoon season.
The first spell of pre-monsoon hit Pakistan during the Eid holidays, while the next round is expected from 22 June, as told by PMD spokesperson Khalid Malik:
Now the second spell of pre-monsoon showers is expected to hit the country from June 22 onwards.
In the light of the water crisis, and reports suggesting that Pakistan may run dry by 2025, it is not just up to the authorities to save water for us, but we also have to step up and take small measures to ensure that no water goes to waste. Even the German Ambassador Martin Kobler, has been demonstrating ways to fight water scarcity recently, an example that needs to be emulated by our countrymen wherever possible.
Source: PMD
