ISLAMABAD – Below normal rainfall and frequent heatwaves can lead to flash drought during ongoing summer, says the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Day temperatures remained 04 to 06°C and 06 to 08°C above normal levels in different parts of Pakistan in May with overall below normal rainfalls. The similar conditions are likely to persist in June which may exacerbate drought conditions which will ultimately affect the agriculture, water resources, live stocks and ecosystems till the onset of the monsoon.
The drought vulnerable districts of particularly southern half of the country (Sindh, Balochistan, South Punjab) including Tharparkar, Cholistan, Thal as well as rainfed regions may experience flash drought in the coming days.
The scenario can lead to crop failure, wildfires, and water shortages. It is advised to all stakeholders to take preemptive measures for disaster-prone districts. Farmers/agriculturists are advised to keep themselves updated through the PMD website.
The flash drought occurs when low rainfall is accompanied by consistent abnormally high temperatures. Flash droughts develop and intensify very quickly, often within weeks or even days. These rapid changes can quickly raise evapotranspiration rates and remove available water from the top layer of the soil.
May and June are the hottest months of the years with higher probability of the heat waves. Due to an abrupt increase in day and nighttime temperatures for the last three weeks, the heatwave episodes are observed. This leads to increase in the land surface temperature and evaporative demands and has resulted in soil moisture stress.
