AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) have issued a weather advisory for April 2024, forecasting near-normal rainfall across most parts of Pakistan with slightly above-normal precipitation expected in the northern regions. This prediction comes amidst the transition of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) towards a Neutral Phase and the prevailing Neutral Phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
According to National Disaster Management Authority, the advisory outlines a tendency for daytime maximum temperatures to remain normal to slightly above normal nationwide, while nighttime minimum temperatures are anticipated to be warmer than usual, especially in the northern parts of the country. Regions such as Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all districts of Gilgit Baltistan, and the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to experience the highest temperature deviations.
The NDMA warns of potential weather-related impacts, including strong winds, dust storms, thunderstorms, and hailstorms due to temperature gradients across the country. Heatwave conditions are likely in the plains, particularly in Punjab and Interior Sindh, while urban heat islands may exacerbate heatwaves in city areas. The northern mountainous regions face the risk of avalanches and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incidents, with increased rainfall posing a threat of flash flooding and landslides in susceptible areas.
The advisory also notes the agricultural implications of the forecasted conditions, emphasizing the need for regular irrigation of seasonal vegetables and newly sown Kharif crops. Additionally, the pollen season is expected to conclude by mid-April 2024, providing some relief to allergy sufferers.