LAHORE: After one of the heaviest monsoon seasons in decades, Pakistan is now facing a contrasting winter forecast with below-normal rainfall, raising concerns about worsening air quality.
From June to September, the country recorded 23% more rainfall than average, causing widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Punjab was the hardest-hit province, experiencing 34% above-normal rainfall, and Sialkot recorded its heaviest downpour in 50 years.
Other provinces also saw above-average rainfall:
- Balochistan: 28% above average
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 30% above average
- Sindh: 20% above average
- Azad Kashmir: 5% above average
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 2% above average
However, the Meteorological Department has warned that winter rainfall from October to December will be lower than usual, particularly in the coastal areas of Sindh, which may see rain in the next few days.
Experts are concerned that reduced rainfall could lead to deteriorating air quality. With fewer rains to clear pollutants from the atmosphere, smog and fog are expected to intensify, especially in major urban centers like Lahore and Karachi. This could pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
