Islamabad, March 26, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a dire warning about rising temperatures and a worsening water crisis across the country. Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Afzal, speaking at a press conference, cautioned that temperatures could soar between 3°C to 5°C above normal in the coming months, while winter rainfall has plummeted by 42% nationwide. The shortfall is even more severe in Sindh (63%), Balochistan (53%), and Punjab (41%), pushing water reservoirs to critically low levels.
The drastic decline in rainfall has sparked fears of severe consequences, including crop failures, disease outbreaks, and threats to wildlife. Dams and reservoirs have reached dead levels, threatening agriculture and domestic water supplies. Afzal highlighted that northern regions are likely to see continued below-normal rainfall, intensifying the crisis. Major cities, worsened by the urban heat island effect, are bracing for heatwave conditions that could accelerate drought.
Adding to the concerns, the intense heat may hasten glacier melting in the north, temporarily boosting river flows but raising the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods. Pakistan typically receives 19.4% of its annual rainfall between April and June, but forecasts predict below-average precipitation this year, potentially depleting groundwater in rain-fed areas. Rising sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea could also trigger cyclone formation in May, further complicating the weather outlook.
During the upcoming Eidul Fitr holidays, most of Pakistan will endure hot and dry conditions, with temperatures 2°C to 3°C above normal. In Karachi, daytime highs may climb 3°C to 4°C above average, straining residents. However, a brief respite is expected on March 26-27, as a wet spell brings rain, thunderstorms, and mountain snowfall to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and northern Punjab. Areas like Chitral, Dir, and Swat may see moderate to heavy rain, while Punjab’s plains could face dust storms.
These weather shifts pose multiple risks, including flash floods, landslides, and damage to crops, infrastructure, and solar panels from windstorms and hail. The PMD has urged authorities to enact precautionary measures and launch public awareness campaigns on heatwave preparedness and water conservation. Afzal emphasized the need for citizens to stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure, and use water sparingly. With climate challenges mounting, Pakistan stands at a critical juncture, requiring urgent action to mitigate the looming crisis.
