Balochistan [Pakistan], December 8 (ANI): Balochistan recorded 41.9% below-normal rainfall over the past three months, heightening drought threats in Quetta and several districts, a report in Dawn said citing the Meteorological Department. The province received only 8.6 mm of rain in September, October and November, far below the normal 14.8 mm, and temperatures during this period averaged 0.9°C above normal.
The Met Office’s drought advisory (pre-alert) said western and southwestern parts of the province saw declining rainfall and an increase in consecutive dry days from May to November. Forecasts indicate rainfall in the affected areas is likely to remain below normal until February 2026, with above-usual temperatures expected to worsen drought conditions in Quetta, Chagai, Gwadar, Kech, Kharan, Mastung, Nushki, Pishin, Panjgur, Qilla Abdullah and Washuk.
A 2024 UNDP report on Balochistan described climate vulnerability as a pressing concern and noted droughts are a characteristic, recurrent climatic event in the province. While Balochistan has faced several prolonged droughts, the extended dry spell from 1995 to 2018 was among the most severe. In January 2019, some 1.8 million people in the province were affected by moderate to severe drought when annual precipitation fell 24.4% below expected levels.
The UNDP report said these droughts have caused acute water scarcity, severely affecting livelihoods and the environment. Regions repeatedly impacted include Kalat, Chagai, Naukundi and Zhob. Analysis of precipitation data shows both short-term summer and winter droughts occur: northwestern Balochistan often experiences moderate to severe winter droughts linked to variable westerly disturbances, while summer droughts are tied to deficient monsoon rainfall, particularly in north-eastern and eastern parts of the province. (ANI)
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