The prolonged dry spell is expected to continue in different parts of the country with no chances of any rain by the end of December, according to reports by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Met Office Forecasting Division Deputy Director Aleemul Hassan has said that the rainless winter season would continue for the next two weeks while there are chances of partly cloudy weather conditions and light rain in some parts.
He said the reason of delay in winter’s first significant rain this year like the previous year is the climate change and the developing stage of El Nino in the Pacific Ocean.
Hassan said the weekend has passed without any rain despite forecast of rain by the weather experts. No favourable condition is expected for rain during the next few days, he added.
RAIN STARVED WHEAT CROP:
The official said that the prolonged dry spell has also affected agriculture besides causing seasonal diseases.
“The dry spell has affected badly wheat crop in barani areas as the crop needs water desperately during these days,” said Hassan, adding that the absence of rain has created moisture stress in the air and disturbed the nurturing of crops.
The official said that there are chances of partly cloudy weather and light rain or drizzle in upper parts of the country on December 18 and 19 and it would increase chill in the weather.
Hassan also indicated chances of frost during the night time in the next 48 hours.
He also said that dense foggy conditions would prevail in the plain areas of the country including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during morning hours.
The coldest places in the past 24 hours were Kalat with temperature of -9 degrees Celsius, Quetta -7 C, Hunza, Gupis, Astore, Kalam, Skardu 5 C, Gilgit, Dalbandin -3 and Dir, Drosh and Murree -2 C.
