Westerly winds are expected to bring the first major spell of winter rain from December 6, and are likely to continue throughout the month.
The Balochistan Meteorological Department has issued an encouraging outlook for the drought-affected regions of the province, predicting heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in December.
Officials said a strong westerly wind system is expected to bring the first significant spell of winter rain between Dec. 6 and Dec. 10, and intermittent rain is likely to continue throughout the month. According to meteorologists, the expected rains could provide substantial relief to drought-hit districts including Zhob, Sherani, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibi, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Qila Saifullah, Chagai, Noshki, Washuk and Mastung.
Some areas may experience heavy downpours along with thunder, while higher altitudes may receive snowfall. Experts noted that northwesterly winds are unusually active this year and the constant moisture from the Arabian Sea is expected to favor a prolonged and beneficial rain pattern. The rains can help replenish dams and groundwater reserves throughout the province.
The forecast has sparked cautious optimism among farmers, herders and rural communities struggling with persistent water shortages. In several areas, residents gathered at mosques to offer voluntary prayers, seeking greenery and renewed water supplies.
However, the department urged the public to remain alert, particularly those living near streams and seasonal waterways, warning that heavy rain could lead to flash flooding.
Balochistan has been reeling from a prolonged drought, with 12 districts classified under severe drought conditions. Last month, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued an advisory urging the provincial government to take preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
According to the Meteorological Office, Balochistan’s climate varies from arid to semi-arid, marked by highly erratic rainfall, strong temperature variations and prolonged periods of drought. The southwestern and southern parts of the province benefit little from the summer monsoon and rely heavily on winter rainfall, with annual rainfall between 71 and 231 millimeters.
Between May and October 2025, these regions recorded a below-normal rainfall deficit of 79 percent, along with a marked increase in consecutive dry days, factors that have intensified drought conditions. The PMD report summarizes rainfall and increasing dry spells in the affected districts.
