PMD Forecasts Early Arrival Of fog

News Desk

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that lower rainfall during the post-monsoon period may lead to an early arrival of fog and smog in some regions of Pakistan.

PMD Director General Mahr Sahibzad Khan said that near-normal rainfall is expected in most parts of the country in September. However, northeastern Punjab and southeastern Sindh may receive slightly above-normal rainfall, while maximum daytime temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal.

From September 2-4, rain with isolated heavy falls is expected in upper parts of the country, potentially causing flash floods in local nullahs, streams, and hill torrents, as well as triggering landslides.

Sahibzad Khan highlighted that from July 1 to August 30, Pakistan experienced 11 rain spells, with Sindh receiving 125 per cent more rainfall than normal, Balochistan 115 per cent more, Punjab 56 per cent more, Gilgit-Baltistan five per cent more, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa one per cent more. However, Azad Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 20 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Regarding reservoirs, Sahibzad Khan reported that Tarbela Dam has reached its maximum conservation level of 1550.00 ft. The current water levels in Mangla, Rawal, Simly, and Khanpur dams are also near their maximum conservation levels.

The deep depression located at 23.5°N and 68.4°E, approximately 200 km east/southeast of Karachi, is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm. Widespread rain and wind-thunderstorms are expected in several districts of Sindh and Balochistan until September 1 with rough sea conditions.

The rains have benefitted rice and sugarcane crops but caused damage to cotton crops.