ISLAMABAD:
The country is facing an unusual rainfall deficit during the current winter season, raising fears of drought and the early arrival of summer.
According to the Meteorological Department, the country has recorded 40% less rainfall than usual in the last four months.
From September 1 to January 15, Sindh saw a 52% reduction in rainfall, while Balochistan saw a 45% decrease. Punjab recorded a deficit of 42%, with mild droughts appearing in Potohar, Layyah, Bhakkar and Multan region.
The department noted that rain-fed areas of Punjab are unlikely to witness considerable rainfall anytime soon.
Similarly, slight drought conditions were reported from Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sargodha, Khushab and Mianwali in Punjab; Karachi, Thatta, Badin and Hyderabad among 10 districts of Sindh and Ormara, Khuzdar, Turbat, Kech and Panjgur in Balochistan.
The department warned that the lack of rainfall could worsen drought conditions and cause temperatures to rise in the coming days.
