ISLAMABAD:
The country is facing an unusual rainfall deficit in the current winter season, raising fears of drought and an early start to summer.
According to the Meteorological Department, in the last four months the country recorded 40% less rainfall than usual.
From September 1 to January 15, Sindh saw a 52% reduction in rainfall, while Balochistan saw a 45% decline. Punjab recorded a deficit of 42%, with mild drought conditions emerging in Potohar, Layyah, Bhakkar and Multan region.
The department noted that rainfed areas of Punjab are unlikely to experience significant rainfall soon.
Similarly, mild drought conditions have been reported in Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sargodha, Khushab and Mianwali in Punjab; Karachi, Thatta, Badin and Hyderabad between 10 districts of Sindh and Ormara, Khuzdar, Turbat, Kech and Panjgur in Balochistan.
The department warned that a lack of rain could exacerbate drought conditions and cause temperatures to rise in the coming days.
