The Meteorological Department has released an in-depth report on the 2024 monsoon season, revealing record-breaking rainfall and significant temperature variations across Pakistan.
Between July 1 and August 30, the country saw 51% more rainfall than the average. Some regions faced unprecedented downpours, while others recorded higher-than-normal temperatures. Balochistan and Sindh were the most affected, with rainfall surging by 111% and 108%, respectively. Punjab saw a 48% increase, while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan experienced modest rises of 5% and 2%. In contrast, Azad Jammu and Kashmir saw a 21% decrease in rainfall.
Read More: PDMA Punjab issues an alert for heavy monsoon rains and potential flash floods
Typically, Pakistan’s average monsoon rainfall is around 212mm, but this year’s totals exceeded expectations. Lahore alone recorded 951.1mm, with 603mm falling in August. Notably, on August 1, Lahore airport received 337mm in a single day, setting a new national record.
The Met Department also highlighted the impact of Typhoon Asna, a rare Arabian Sea storm that contributed to this abnormal weather. Such extreme events could become more frequent as climate change reshapes global patterns.
Along with increased rainfall, monsoon temperatures averaged 0.71°C above normal, making it the fourth-hottest monsoon in 64 years. The highest temperature, 49°C, was recorded in Turbat on July 7, with Dalbandin and Naukundi close behind at 48°C. Skardu, meanwhile, was the coldest region, dipping to 7.3°C on September 30.
As for current conditions, Karachi is expected to remain hot and dry over the next 24 hours, with temperatures between 38°C and 40°C. Balochistan will also experience dry weather, with Quetta staying cooler at 28°C, while Gwadar and Turbat reach highs of 38°C and 43°C, respectively.
