ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a stark warning as drought conditions continue to intensify in key regions across the country. Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab are facing severe water shortages exacerbated by a significant rainfall deficit and unusually high temperatures.
Rainfall Deficit and Rising Temperatures
From September 1, 2024, to March 21, 2025, Pakistan experienced a 40% decrease in rainfall, with Sindh suffering the most severe deficit at 62%. Balochistan followed with a 52% shortfall, while Punjab received 38% less rain than usual. The lower half of the country, in particular, has seen temperatures rise by 2-3°C above normal for March, further exacerbating the drought conditions.
Despite some recent rainfall, conditions remain critical in southern Sindh, parts of Balochistan, and the lower plains of Punjab. The PMD’s latest reports indicate severe water shortages in major dams like Tarbela and Mangla, which are currently at dead storage levels of 1,402 feet and 1,061.75 feet, respectively. This, along with dwindling river flows, has placed additional strain on the country’s water supply.
Areas Most Affected by Drought
The PMD’s National Drought Monitoring and Early Warning Center (NDMC) forecasts that drought conditions will worsen in the coming months, particularly in southern Pakistan. Areas such as Paddidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Karachi in Sindh are expected to experience moderate drought conditions, with parts of Balochistan, including Gwadar, Kech, and Lasbela, also suffering from similar impacts. In Punjab, regions like Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan will see moderate to mild drought conditions.
In total, the NDMC identified various districts across Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab as experiencing significant drought stress, with soil moisture levels dropping and water demand rising sharply.
Flash Droughts and Agriculture Threats
Adding to the complexity, the PMD has raised alarms about the possibility of flash droughts—sudden, severe dry spells that can occur when temperature, wind, and precipitation patterns fluctuate rapidly. These flash droughts could further strain the agricultural sector, where water shortages are already taking a toll on crop production. The PMD warned that rising temperatures would likely increase water demand and hinder irrigation, putting more pressure on the country’s water resources.
Weather Outlook and Precautionary Measures
The weather outlook for the end of March suggests dry conditions across most of Pakistan, with only isolated rain, wind, and thunderstorms expected in parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and northern Balochistan on March 26. The rest of the country will likely remain dry, and the drought conditions are expected to worsen unless substantial rainfalls occur in the coming weeks.
The PMD has urged government authorities to take immediate action to mitigate the effects of the drought, particularly in the agriculture and water management sectors. Steps such as efficient water usage, crop management, and drought-resistant farming techniques will be crucial to reducing the impact on vulnerable populations and industries.
