Pakistan started to feel the burning effect of climate change after no rain in country for the last one month apart from for a few showers in northern areas. Country has also seen the unusual rise in the temperatures in major parts of the country since September especially during daytime.

Senior meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that with each passing day the influence of climate change is getting robust.

October and November are considered the driest months in Pakistan still 33 millimeters of rain in October and another 12 millimeters in November falls in Pakistan, but it seems an inaccessible possibility for having this amount of rain in these two months this year, he said.

He added that a short rain spell of low intensity is expected though the country is facing a dry spell at least till the mid of October this year.  During the last phase of monsoon season, the weather was dry like last year. Therefore, no satisfactory showers are expected in the coming months,” he said.

He said that if the situation continued there is a strong probability that the country will face further water shortage affecting winter crops and the health of people like suffering from flu, cough, and allergies because of dry weather.

Rana Khalid, Indus River System Authority (IRSA) spokesperson told media that IRSA has estimated 20 % shortage in water share of Punjab and Sindh in the Rabi season due to the prevailing situation. Provinces have already started facing water shortage issues, he added.

“Still, if there will be no substantial rains till January or February then shortfall may surpass 25%,” he said. Estimated water shortage was 17% last year.

Khalid further said the IRSA has requested to close non-perennial canals from October 5 onwards in provinces that were closed usually from October 15.