The Meteorological Department (MET) reported that rainfall has been 40% below average over the last four months, with shortages varying across provinces.
From September 1 to January 15, Sindh recorded a 52% reduction in rainfall, while Balochistan experienced a 45% shortfall. In Punjab, the deficit was 42%.
This rainfall shortage is likely to hasten the arrival of summer, with temperatures expected to rise in the coming days.
In areas such as Pothohar, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Multan in Punjab, light drought conditions have already been observed and are expected to worsen, particularly in regions dependent on rainfall.
Other areas, including Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Sargodha, are also showing early signs of drought. Similarly, cities in Sindh, such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Badin, along with various towns in Balochistan, are experiencing the initial stages of drought.
The Meteorological Department has cautioned that if the current low rainfall trend continues, widespread drought and heatwaves could become a significant threat in the near future.
Additionally, Pakistan is expected to experience cold and dry weather across most regions, with light rain and snowfall anticipated in select northern areas.
According to the Meteorological Department, most of the country will remain chilly and dry, with some areas experiencing cloud cover.
Regions such as Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) are forecasted to receive rain and snow in the coming days.
Light snowfall is expected in higher mountain regions, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, and Waziristan.
Punjab will likely remain cold and dry, with no significant rainfall predicted. Similarly, Sindh is also expected to experience cold and dry weather.
In Balochistan, most districts will face cold conditions with some cloud cover, and light rain and snow are possible in higher altitudes, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Barkhan, and Chagai.
Read more: Pakistan faces rising drought risk amid 40% rainfall deficit: met office warns
Islamabad and its surrounding areas will have cold weather with partly cloudy skies, while northern regions, including Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are expected to remain overcast with intermittent rain and snowfall.