ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the monsoon season in Pakistan will likely begin in early July this year.
The weather report suggests that most areas of the country can expect normal to slightly below-normal rainfall, with northern regions experiencing slightly above-normal precipitation. Western parts of Balochistan are expected to receive near-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, which may continue from July to September.
While the forecast indicates a general pattern of normal rainfall, the PMD has also highlighted the possibility of occasional extreme rainfall events in catchment areas. These events could lead to riverine floods in the Indus and other rivers. Additionally, there is a likelihood of urban flooding, hill torrents, and flash floods due to isolated heavy downpours.
The Met Office has raised concerns about soaring temperatures in the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, which could accelerate snowmelt and result in increased water flow into rivers.
The Southwest Monsoon, also known as the Asian Summer Monsoon, is a significant weather phenomenon that brings 70-80 percent of South Asia’s annual rainfall between June and September.
Monsoon Season
The season occurs when the summer heat warms the landmass of the subcontinent, causing the air to rise and drawing in cooler winds from the Indian Ocean. This interaction leads to substantial amounts of rainfall, which plays a vital role in agriculture, the livelihoods of millions of farmers, and food security for the region’s approximately two billion people.
However, the monsoon season also brings the risk of destruction, including landslides and floods. Melting glaciers contribute to the volume of water, while unregulated construction in flood-prone areas exacerbates the damage caused by these natural disasters.
As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming monsoon season, it is crucial for authorities to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of extreme weather events. This includes effective water management, infrastructure planning, and early warning systems to mitigate the risks associated with heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
