ISLAMABAD, Jun 6: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its forecast for the upcoming monsoon season, predicting normal to slightly below-normal rainfall across most areas of the country. The weather outlook takes into account the prevailing El Niño conditions and the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). While the northern regions may experience slightly above-normal rainfall, the western parts of Balochistan can expect near-normal precipitation. However, the PMD has also warned of the possibility of occasional extreme hydro-meteorological events, including riverine floods and urban flooding due to isolated heavy downpours.
Normal to Higher-Than-Normal Temperatures Expected:
In addition to the rainfall forecast, the PMD has indicated that seasonal temperatures during the monsoon season are expected to remain within the normal to higher-than-normal range across the country. This could potentially have implications for the agricultural sector and water resources.
Impacts of the Monsoon Season:
The PMD has highlighted the potential impacts of the monsoon season, urging farmers to remain vigilant and plan for water conservation during the upcoming Kharif season cultivation. The forecast suggests that soaring temperatures in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) may accelerate snow melt, leading to an increased flow of water into rivers. This, in turn, could pose a risk of riverine floods in major rivers.
Urban Flooding and Flash Floods:
While the overall rainfall is expected to be normal to slightly below-normal, the PMD has cautioned that the likelihood of urban flooding, hill torrents, and flash floods cannot be ruled out due to isolated heavy downpours. Such localized extreme weather events could result in sudden and intense flooding in certain areas.
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Preparing for the Monsoon Season:
Given the forecasted weather conditions, it is crucial for stakeholders and communities to make necessary preparations for the monsoon season. Authorities should prioritize infrastructure maintenance, especially in vulnerable areas prone to flooding. Communities should be educated about flood preparedness and early warning systems. Farmers must implement water conservation strategies to optimize the use of available resources and mitigate potential water shortages during the Kharif season.
With the upcoming monsoon season on the horizon, Pakistan is preparing for normal to slightly below-normal rainfall in most regions. While the northern areas may receive slightly above-average precipitation, the western parts of Balochistan can expect near-normal rainfall. However, the possibility of extreme hydro-meteorological events, including riverine floods, urban flooding, and flash floods, remains a concern. It is crucial for authorities, communities, and farmers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to ensure safety, minimize the impact of floods, and maximize water resource management during the monsoon season.
