The weather extremes in Pakistan include extremely high and extremely low temperatures, heaviest rainfalls and floodings. Pakistan has one of the highest temperature ranges in the world (temperature range refers to the difference between highest and lowest recorded temperatures ever) with proven weather conditions ranging from as high as like those in the Sahara desert, to as low as those like in Alaska making it one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world. The highest temperature ever recorded in Pakistan is 53.7 °C (128.7 °F) which was recorded in Turbat, Balochistan and Moenjo Daro, Sindh on 28 May 2017 and 26 May 2010 respectively. [1] [2] It was not only the hottest temperature ever recorded in Pakistan but also the hottest reliably measured temperature ever recorded on the continent of Asia and the fourth-highest temperature ever recorded on Earth. The highest rainfall of the world of 620 millimetres (24 in) was recorded in Islamabad on 23 July 2001. That record-breaking rain fell in just 10 hours. [3] [4]
The standard measuring conditions for temperature are 1.2 meters above the ground out of direct sunlight (hence the term, x degrees "in the shade").
Heat waves mostly occur during summer months but in Pakistan heat waves occur at any time period between April and September and bring high temperatures but most powerful heat waves occur in May and June. Some areas of southern Pakistan usually experience above 50 °C (122 °F) temperature and play havoc in these areas. The most deadly heat wave in the history of Pakistan is the record-breaking heat wave of summer 2010 which occurred in the last ten days of May. Heat spreads throughout the north-central part of the country including Punjab and KPK.
Temperature extremes in Pakistan over 50 °C (122 °F) based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2022 [5] and other sources [1]
Date | Temperature °C | City | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 May 2017 | 54 °C (129.2 °F) [1] | Turbat | Balochistan | The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially evaluated temperature record extremes of 54 °C (129 °F) in Turbat, Pakistan, on 28 May 2017. | [6] [1] |
26 May 2010 | 53 °C (127 °F) [A] | Larkana | Sindh | It was the fifth-highest temperature ever recorded on earth and the second-hottest reliably-measured temperature ever recorded in the continent of Asia and it is the hottest city of Pakistan since 2010. 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for four consecutive days from 24 to 27 May 2010. | [2] |
26 May 2010 | 53 °C (127 °F) | Jacobabad | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for four consecutive days, 24 to 27 May 2010. Event also occurred on 12 June 1919. | [2] |
26 May 2010 | 53 °C (127 °F) [A] | Sibi | Balouchistan | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for consecutive 5 days from 22 to 26 May 2010. Previously 52.6 °C (126.7 °F) was recorded on June 5, 2003. [7] | [2] |
12 June 1919 | 52.8 °C (127.0 °F) | Jacobabad | Sindh | [8] [9] | |
31 May 1998 | 52.7 °C (126.9 °F) [A] | Larkana | Sindh | It was the highest temperature in 1998. | [10] |
26 May 2010 | 52.5 °C (126.5 °F) [A] | Padidan | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for three consecutive days from 24 to 26 May 2010. | [2] |
19 May 2016 | 52.2 °C (126.0 °F) [A] | Larkana | Sindh | It was the highest temperature in Pakistan in 2016. 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for 4 consecutive days from 17 to 20 May 2016. | [11] |
30 May 2009 | 52 °C (126 °F) | Turbat | Balouchistan | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for 5 consecutive days from 26 to 29 May 2009. | [2] |
26 May 2010 | 52 °C (126 °F) [A] | Nawabshah | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for 5 consecutive days from 22 to 26 May 2010. | [2] |
19 May 2013 | 51.5 °C (124.7 °F) | Larkana | Sindh | [12] | |
22 May 2010 | 51.3 °C (124.3 °F) | Larkana | Sindh | [13] | |
9 June 2007 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Bhakkar | Punjab | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for 2 days, 9 and 10 June 2007. | [2] |
1 June 1996 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Rohri | Sindh | [14] | |
28 May 2010 | 51 °C (124 °F) [A] | Dadu | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) was recorded for 2 days, 26 and 27 May 2010. | [2] |
26 May 2010 | 51 °C (124 °F) [A] | Noorpurthal | Punjab | 50 °C (122 °F) was recorded on May 19, 2011. | [2] [15] |
25 May 2010 | 51 °C (124 °F) [A] | Sukkur | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for three consecutive days, 25 to 27 May 2010. | [2] |
10 June 2007 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Sargodha | Punjab | 50 °C (122 °F) was recorded for 2 days, 9 and 10 June 2007. | [2] |
15 May 2009 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Lasbella | Balochistan | 50 °C (122 °F) was recorded for 2 days, 15 and 16 May 2009. 50 °C (122 °F) was also recorded on May 21, 2011. | [2] [16] |
27 May 2010 | 50 °C (122 °F) [A] | Multan | Punjab | Record temperature in city; previous highest was 49 °C (120 °F) in 1956. | [2] |
26 May 2010 | 50 °C (122 °F) [A] | Bahawalnagar | Punjab | [2] | |
20 May 2011 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Pasni | Balochistan | [17] | |
5 June 1978 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Dera Ismail Khan | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [18] | |
10 June 2007 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Bannu | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for two days, 9 and 10 June 2007. | [2] |
Temperature extremes in Pakistan over 45 °C (113 °F) based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020 [5] and other sources.
Date | Temperature °C | City | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 April 2017 | 49.0 °C (120.2 °F) | Sukkur | Sindh | Record breaking temperature for the month of April. |
A severe heat wave with temperatures as high as 50 °C (122 °F) hit Pakistan, especially southern parts, in April 2017. This heat wave broke the old temperature records of many cities in the country in the month of April. Larkana, Sindh experienced the highest maximum temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) on 19 April and broke its old record of 48.5 °C (119.3 °F) which was recorded in April 2000. Other cities of the country also broke their old records of highest maximum temperatures in the month of April. [19]
Extreme temperatures started to affect the parts of the country from mid-April and peaked on 19–20 April.
Place | Temperature | Date |
---|---|---|
Larkana | 50.0 °C (122.0 °F) | 19 April |
Sukkur | 49.0 °C (120.2 °F) | 20 April |
Moenjo Daro | 48.5 °C (119.3 °F) | 19 & 20 April |
Dadu | 48.5 °C (119.3 °F) | 20 April |
Jacobabad | 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) | 20 April |
Nawabshah | 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) | 20 April |
Sibi | 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) | 19 & 20 April |
Karachi | 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) | 22 & 23 April |
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Asia and the fourth highest temperature ever recorded in the world was in Mohenjo-daro, Sindh at 53.5 °C (128.3 °F) while the second-hottest temperature ever recorded in Asia and the fifth-highest temperature ever recorded in the world was in Larkana, Sindh at 53 °C (127 °F) on May 26, 2010. Twelve cities in Pakistan saw temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) during the extreme heatwave of summer 2010, which lasted from May 22 to May 31, 2010. [20] On May 27, temperatures higher than 45 °C (113 °F) hit areas across Pakistan and at least 18 people died as a result. [21] Also, during the extreme heatwave season, 11 cities saw their highest-ever recorded temperatures of 50 °C (122 °F) or above, and five cities saw temperatures of 53 °C (127 °F). Eleven cities also saw extremes of more than 45 °C (113 °F) but below 50 °C (122 °F). The previous record for Pakistan and for Asia was on June 12, 1919, at 52.8 °C (127.0 °F) at Jacobabad. [8] [9]
Cold waves mostly occur during winter months but in northern and western Pakistan cold waves occur at any time period between October and March and bring low temperatures but most powerful cold waves occur in December and January. Some areas of northern and western Pakistan usually experience below 0 °C temperature and play havoc in these areas. The coldest place in Pakistan can be the glacial parts of Gilgit Baltistan, where in winters the average temperature remains below -20. The K2 Peak has recorded a wind chill -65 °C. [22] The most deadly cold wave in the recent history of Pakistan is the record-breaking cold wave of winter 2020. Temperatures in the hottest places in Pakistan fell below 2 °C or more, as well as cities near the foothills of the Himalayas including Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore can record temperatures below freezing. It is not uncommon for Islamabad to receive snow in strong cold spells, the Khyber Hills in Peshawar, Hayatabad can also receive light snowfall.
The standard way of measuring Rainfall or Snowfall is the standard Rain gauge, which can be found in 100-mm (4-in) plastic and 200-mm (8-in) metal varieties. The inner cylinder is filled by 25 mm (0.98 in) of Rain, with overflow flowing into the outer cylinder. Plastic gauges have markings on the inner cylinder down to 0.25 mm (0.0098 in) resolution, while metal gauges require use of a stick designed with the appropriate 0.25 mm (0.0098 in) markings. After the inner cylinder is filled, the amount inside it is discarded, then filled with the remaining Rainfall in the outer cylinder until all the fluid in the outer cylinder is gone, adding to the overall total until the outer cylinder is empty.
Pakistan receives Rainfall from both Monsoon and Western Disturbance. The Monsoon season occurs from July to September and brings a heavy downpour across the country except Western Balochistan. Western Disturbances occur from October to May and bring rainfall across the country with some heavy downpour in Northern Pakistan. But in June, Western Disturbances occasionally hit the northern parts of the country. Pre-Monsoon also occurs in this month occasionally but not always.
Record-breaking rainfall extremes in Pakistan over in a single season, based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2022 [5] and other sources.
Season | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | City | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
July–August 2022 | 1,763.9 | 69.4 | Padidan | Sindh | 1,763.9 millimetres (69.44 in) Rainfall was recorded from 01.07.2022 to 26.08.2022 in Padidan as a result of a consistent Low Pressure Area over Northern Sindh. It was the heaviest rainfall in Sindh ever recorded. | [30] [31] |
Record-breaking rainfall extremes in Pakistan over 400 millimetres (16 in) or above during 24 hours, based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2016 [5] and other sources.
Date | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | City | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
23 July 2001 | 620 | 24.4 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | 620 millimetres (24 in) Rainfall was recorded in 10 hours, on 23 July 2001 in Islamabad as a result of a Cloudburst. It was the heaviest rainfall in islamabad and also heaviest in Pakistan. | [3] [4] |
Record-breaking rainfall extremes in Pakistan over 200 millimetres (7.9 in) or above but below 400 millimetres (16 in) during 24 hours, based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020 [5] and other sources.
Date | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | City | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19 August 2022 | 355 | 13.7 | Padidan | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall due to Well Marked Low Pressure Area | |
11 August 2011 | 350 | 13.7 | Tando Ghulam Ali | Sindh | [32] | |
23 July 2001 | 335 | 13.1 | Rawalpindi (Shamsabad) | Punjab | Record-breaking rainfall in Rawalpindi due to cloudburst. | |
7 September 2011 | 312 | 12.2 | Diplo | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall in Diplo. | [33] |
10 September 2012 | 305 | 11.8 | Jacobabad | Sindh | Heaviest 24 hours rainfall while 441 mm rainfall in 36 hours in the month of September. | |
5 September 2014 | 300 | 11.8 | Lahore | Punjab | Heaviest 24 hours rainfall in the month of September. | [34] |
5 September 2014 | 296 | 11.7 | Jhelum | Punjab | Heaviest 24 hours rainfall in the month of September. | [34] |
5 September 2014 | 297 | 11.7 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | [34] | |
10 August 2011 | 291 | 11.5 | Mithi | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall in Mithi. | [35] [36] [37] |
29 July 2010 | 280 | 11.0 | Risalpur | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | ||
7 August 1953 | 278.1 | 10.95 | Karachi (Manora) | Sindh | [39] | |
29 July 2010 | 274 | 10.7 | Peshawar | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Record-breaking rainfall in Peshawar, previously 187 millimetres (7.4 in) mm was recorded on 10 April 2009. | [40] [38] |
5 September 1961 | 264.2 | 10.4 | Faisalabad | Punjab | [41] | |
30 July 2010 | 257 | 10.1 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | [38] | |
29 July 2010 | 257 | 10.1 | Cherat | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
2 July 1972 | 256.5 | 10.1 | Nawabshah | Sindh | [42] | |
10 September 1992 | 255 | 10.0 | Murree | Punjab | [43] | |
5 September 2014 | 251 | 9.9 | Mangla | Punjab | [34] | |
5 September 2014 | 251 | 9.9 | Sialkot | Punjab | [44] | |
12 September 1962 | 250.7 | 9.8 | Hyderabad | Sindh | [45] | |
18 July 2009 | 205 | 8.07 | Karachi (Masroor) | Sindh | One of the highest 24 hours rainfall. | |
5 September 2014 | 243 | 9.6 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | [34] | |
2 September 2020 | 240 | 9.4 | bahawalnagar | Punjab | [38] | |
26 August 2011 | 240 | 9.4 | Kohat | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [47] | |
31 August 2011 | 238 | 9.4 | Padidan | Sindh | [48] | |
5 September 2014 | 234 | 9.2 | Rawalakot | Azad Kashmir | [34] | |
27 August 1997 | 233.8 | 9.2 | Murree | Punjab | [43] | |
29 July 2010 | 233 | 9.1 | Kohat | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
30 July 2010 | 231 | 9.1 | Murree | Punjab | [38] | |
6 June 2010 | 227 | 8.9 | Gwadar | Balouchistan | Record-breaking rainfall in Gwadar. | [49] |
7 September 2011 | 225 | 8.85 | Mithi | Sindh | [50] | |
13 August 2008 | 221 | 8.7 | Lahore | Punjab | [51] | |
20 July 2013 | 217 | 8.6 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | [52] | |
1 August 1976 | 211 | 8.3 | Lahore | Punjab | [53] | |
7 July 2003 | 209 | 8.2 | Larkana | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall in span of 24 hours. | |
10 September 1992 | 208 | 8.2 | Muzaffarabad | Azad Kashmir | [54] | |
1 July 1977 | 207.6 | 8.1 | Karachi | Sindh | [2] | |
29 July 2007 | 205 | 8.0 | Sargodha | Punjab | ||
4 August 2010 | 202 | 7.9 | Dera Ismail Khan | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Record-breaking rainfall in Dera Ismail Khan previously 116 millimetres (4.6 in) was recorded on 4 July 1994. | [2] [18] |
11 August 2011 | 200 | 7.8 | Tando Mohammad Khan | Sindh | [55] | |
11 August 2011 | 200 | 7.8 | Tando Ghulam Haider | Sindh | [55] | |
24 July 2001 | 200 | 7.8 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | [56] | |
27 August 1997 | 200 | 7.8 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | [56] |
Monsoon 2022 started with a bang in early July and week long rains were already affecting Sindh. However, a low pressure area developed over Bay of Bengal, which became depression before hitting Northern Sindh on 18 August. The depression became stationary over the northern areas of the province and caused unprecedented record-breaking rainfall in Larkana, Naushahro Feroze, Kambar Shahdadkot, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Dadu, Nawabshah, Shikarpur and other districts till 22 August. Another low pressure area hit the same part of the province on 25 August and caused heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Heavy rainfall of more than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) recorded during the month of August 2022 in the province of Sindh particularly in Northern Sindh based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Padidan | 1228.5 | 48.4 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month and 595 mm in just 48 hours. | |
Moenjo Daro | 779.5 | 30.7 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Larkana | 762.3 | 30.0 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Sakrand | 617 | 24.3 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Khairpur Mir's | 606.3 | 23.8 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Tando Jam | 603 | 23.7 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Chhor | 547.9 | 21.6 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Jacobabad | 498.7 | 19.6 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Nawabshah | 495.7 | 19.5 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Sukkur | 379 | 14.9 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Rohri | 371.4 | 14.6 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Dadu | 337 | 13.3 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of August. | |
Badin | 307.5 | 12.1 | ||
Mirpur Khas | 304 | 12.0 | ||
Mithi | 273 | 10.7 | ||
Hyderabad | 243 | 9.6 | ||
Thatta | 208.8 | 8.2 |
An August like Monsoonal moisture hit the country in the first week of the month when a very low air pressure system (29") was formed over Kashmir that moved eastward into Northern Pakistan. The spell caused torrential Rainfall between 1 and 5 September that resulted in devastation to life and property. The last two days of the spell being extremely wet in Pakistan caused River Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej and Indus to overflow their banks.
Heavy Rainfall of more than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) recorded during the wet spell of September 1 to 5, 2014 in northern Pakistan based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. [34]
City | Stations | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | Province | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lahore | Shahi Qila | 557 | 21.9 | Punjab | Record-breaking rainfall for the month. | |
Lahore | Misri Shah | 539 | 21.2 | Punjab | ||
Lahore | Shahdra | 538 | 21.2 | Punjab | ||
Sialkot | Cantt (city) | 523 | 20.6 | Punjab | ||
Lahore | Airport | 518 | 20.4 | Punjab | ||
Rawalakot | 507 | 20.0 | Azad Kashmir | |||
Sialkot | Airport | 439 | 17.3 | Punjab | ||
Lahore | Jail Road | 437 | 17.2 | Punjab | ||
Kotli | 431 | 17.0 | Azad Kashmir | |||
Lahore | Upper Mall | 421 | 16.6 | Punjab | ||
Rawalpindi | Chaklala (Islamabad Airport) | 345 | 13.6 | Punjab | Record-breaking rainfall for the month. | |
Mangla | 345 | 13.6 | Azad Kashmir | |||
Gujranwala | 336 | 13.2 | Punjab | |||
Islamabad | Zero Point | 331 | 13.0 | Islamabad Capital Territory | ||
Rawalpindi | Shamsabad | 319 | 12.6 | Punjab | ||
Gujrat | 310 | 12.0 | Punjab | |||
Islamabad | Saidpur | 298 | 11.7 | Islamabad Capital Territory | ||
Okara | 293 | 11.5 | Punjab | |||
Dina | 284 | 11.2 | Punjab | |||
Murree | 262 | 10.3 | Punjab | |||
Faisalabad | 228 | 9.0 | Punjab | |||
Rawalpindi | Bokra | 222 | 8.7 | Punjab | ||
Jhelum | 220 | 8.7 | Punjab | |||
Islamabad | Golra Sharif | 211 | 8.3 | Islamabad Capital Territory |
After the severe drought conditions in Sindh during the months of July and August, an intense low-pressure area developed in Bay of Bengal in last days of August. The low-pressure area moved towards Sindh and brought torrential rains in Upper Sindh while rainfall, some heavy in other parts of Sindh during the first fortnight of September 2012. Highest rainfall was recorded in Jacobabad with the record of 481 millimetres (18.9 in) in just 7 days and 441 millimetres (17.4 in) in just 36 hours. Other records are 239 millimetres (9.4 in) in Larkana while 206 millimetres (8.1 in) in Sukkur. Larkana division was worst hit by heavy rainfall.
Heavy rainfall of more than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) recorded during the wet spell of September 5 to 11, 2012 in the province of Sindh particularly in Upper Sindh based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | Monsoon spell | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jacobabad | 481 | 18.9 | September 5 to 11 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month and 441 mm in just 36 hours. | |
Larkana | 216 | 8.5 | September 5 to 11 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of September. | |
Sukkur | 206 | 8.1 | September 5 to 11 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of September. | |
Rohri | 205 | 8.0 | September 5 to 11 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month of September. |
In the month of July Pakistan received below normal monsoon rains; however, in August and September the country received above normal monsoon rains. A strong weather pattern entered the areas of Sindh from the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat in August and gained strength with the passage of time and caused heavy Downpour. The first Monsoon spell hit the southern parts of Sindh on 10 August. It produced record breaking widespread torrential Rainfall and resulted in floods in district Badin. The second spell hit the areas on 30 August and lasted until 2 September. In the month of September four more consecutive spells of monsoon rainfall devastated the southern parts of the province. The first spell of September hit the already inundated parts of the province on 2 September. Thereafter, the second spell hit on 5 September, the third on 9 September, and the fourth on 12 September 2011. The four spells of Monsoon produced even more devastating torrential Rains in the already affected areas of Sindh.
Heavy rainfall of more than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) recorded in the heaviest Monsoon spell in different areas of Sindh province in the months of August and September, 2011 based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. [57]
City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | Monsoon Spell | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mithi | 760 | 30.0 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Mithi. | [58] [59] |
Mirpur Khas | 603 | 23.7 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Mirpur Khas. | [58] [59] |
Padidan | 356 | 14.0 | August 30 to September 4 | Record-breaking rainfall in Padidan. | [58] [59] |
Nawabshah | 353.2 | 13.9 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Nawabshah. | [58] [59] |
Dadu | 348.1 | 13.7 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Dadu. | [58] [59] |
Badin | 302.1 | 11.8 | August 10 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Badin. | [58] [59] |
Chhor | 268 | 10.6 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Chhor. | [58] [59] |
Hyderabad | 244.2 | 9.6 | September 1 to 14 | [58] [59] | |
Karachi | 212.2 | 8.3 | September 1 to 14 | [58] [59] |
Unprecedented heavy monsoon rains began in the last week of July 2010 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir regions of Pakistan which causes floods in Balochistan and Sindh. [60] The floods which were caused by monsoon rains, and were forecast to continue into early August, were described as the worst in the last 80 years. [61] The Pakistan Meteorological Department said that over 200 millimetres (7.9 in) of rain fell over a 24-hour period over a number of places of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab and more was expected. [62] A record-breaking 274 millimetres (10.8 in) of rain fell in Peshawar in 24 hours, [63] previously 187 millimetres (7.4 in) of rain was recorded in April 2009. [40] Other record-breaking Rains were recorded in Risalpur, Cherat, Saidu Sharif, Mianwali, and Kohat regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Heavy Rainfall of more than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) recorded during the four-day wet spell of July 27 to 30, 2010 in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. [38]
City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | Monsoon spell | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Risalpur | 415 [B] | 16.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Islamabad | 394 | 15.5 | July 27 to 30 | Islamabad Capital Territory | [38] | |
Murree | 373 | 14.6 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab | [38] | |
Cherat | 372 [B] | 14.6 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Garhi Dopatta | 346 | 13.6 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir | [38] | |
Saidu Sharif | 338 [B] | 13.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Peshawar | 333 [B] | 13.1 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Kamra | 308 | 12.1 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab | [38] | |
Rawalakot | 297 | 11.7 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir | [38] | |
Muzaffarabad | 292 | 11.5 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir | [38] | |
Lahore | 288 | 11.3 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab | [38] | |
Mianwali | 271 [B] | 10.6 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab | [38] | |
Lower Dir | 263 | 10.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Kohat | 262 [B] | 10.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Balakot | 256 | 10.0 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Sialkot | 255 | 10.0 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab | [38] | |
Pattan | 242 | 9.5 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir | [38] | |
Dir | 231 | 9.10 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Gujranwala | 222 | 8.7 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab | [38] | |
Dera Ismail Khan | 220 | 8.6 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [38] | |
Rawalpindi | 219 | 8.6 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab | [38] |
Pakistan receives snowfall from Western Disturbance. Western Disturbances bring snowfall from November to February across the mountainous and hilly areas of the country with some heavy snowfall in northern mountains and hills of Pakistan. Blizzards are common in northern mountains of the country. In February 2017, at least 14 people were killed and 9 injured by an avalanche in the Sher Shall area of Chitral district. [64] [65]
Record-breaking Snowfall extremes in Pakistan over 40 inches (100 cm) or above during 24 hours based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020 [5] and other sources.
Date | Snowfall (in) | Snowfall (cm) | City or Station | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 February 2013 | 42 | 107 | Malam Jabba | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [66] |
Record-breaking Snowfall extremes in Pakistan over 20 inches (51 cm) or above but below 40 inches (100 cm) during 24 hours based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020 [5] and other sources.
Date | Snowfall (in) | Snowfall (cm) | City or Station | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 February 2013 | 24 | 60.96 | Kalam | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | [66] |
Date | City | Wind speed (km/h) | Wind speed (mph) | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
9 June 2005 | Multan | 205 | 126 | Duststorm | [67] [68] |
28 March 2001 | Bhalwal, Sargodha | 193 | 121 | Tornado reported | [69] |
12 June 1962 | Rawalpindi | 177 | 110 | ||
13 October 2006 | Rawalpindi | 176 | 110 | Tornado reported | |
2 June 2000 | Faisalabad | 151 | 94 | [68] |
Pakistan has seen many floods, the worst and most destructive is the recent 2010 Pakistan floods, which swept away the 20% of Pakistan's land, the flood is the result of unprecedented monsoon rains which lasted from 28 July to 31 July 2010. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and North eastern Punjab were badly affected during the monsoon rains when dams, rivers and lakes overflowed. By mid-August, according to the governmental Federal Flood Commission (FFC), the floods had caused the deaths of at least 1,540 people, while 2,088 people had received injuries, 557,226 houses had been destroyed, and over 6 million people had been displaced. [70] One month later, the data had been updated to reveal 1,781 deaths, 2,966 people with injuries, and more than 1.89 million homes destroyed. [71] The flood affected more than 20 million people exceeding the combined total of individuals affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. [72] [73] The flood is considered as worst in Pakistan's history affecting people of all four provinces and Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. [74] The climate in Pakistan is very unpredictable and extreme due to its geographical location with tropical plains and the world's highest peaks. Monsoon can be harsh due to close proximity with the monsoon areas of India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar. Floods in the mountainous regions of the country that cover about 70% of Pakistani Land can experience very dangerous landfall, avalanches, and the glaciers in the most distant and remote parts of the countries can bring danger to nearby villages.
The 2011 Sindh floods began during the Monsoon season in mid-August 2011, resulting from heavy Monsoon Rains in Sindh, Eastern Balochistan, and Southern Punjab. [75] The floods have caused considerable damage; an estimated 270 civilians have been killed, with 5.3 million people and 1.2 million homes affected. [76] Sindh is a fertile region and often called the "breadbasket" of the country; the damage and toll of the floods on the local agrarian economy is said to be extensive. At least 1.7 million acres of arable land has been inundated as a result of the flooding. [76] The flooding has been described as the worst since the 2010 Pakistan floods, which devastated the entire country. [76] Unprecedented torrential monsoon rains caused severe flooding in 16 districts of Sindh province. [59]
The other floods which caused destruction in the history of Pakistan, includes the flood of 1950, which killed 2910 people, On 1 July 1977 heavy Rains and flooding in Karachi, killed 248 people, according to Pakistan meteorological department 207 millimetres (8.1 in) of Rain fell in 24 hours. [77] In 1992 flooding during Monsoon season killed 1,834 people across the country[ citation needed ]. In 1993 flooding during monsoon rains killed 3,083 people across South Asia, of which fifteen were in Pakistan. [78] In 2003 Sindh province was badly affected due to monsoon rains causing damages in billions, killed 178 people, while in 2007 Cyclone Yemyin submerged lower part of Balochistan Province in sea water killing 380 people. Before that it killed 213 people in Karachi on its way to Balochistan.
The climate of Mumbai is an extreme version of a tropical wet and dry climate with a lengthy, practically rainless dry season and a relatively short, but extremely rainy wet season due to the Southwest Monsoon and orographic influences from the nearby Western Ghats. Some suburbs are sufficiently wet to qualify as a tropical monsoon climate. Mumbai's climate can be best described as moderately hot with a high level of humidity. Its coastal nature and tropical location ensure temperatures do not fluctuate much throughout the year.
A cloudburst is an extreme amount of precipitation in a short period of time, sometimes accompanied by hail and thunder, which is capable of creating flood conditions. Cloudbursts can quickly dump large amounts of water, e.g. 25 mm of the precipitation corresponds to 25,000 metric tons per square kilometre. However, cloudbursts are infrequent as they occur only via orographic lift or occasionally when a warm air parcel mixes with cooler air, resulting in sudden condensation. At times, a large amount of runoff from higher elevations is mistakenly conflated with a cloudburst. The term "cloudburst" arose from the notion that clouds were akin to water balloons and could burst, resulting in rapid precipitation. Though this idea has since been disproven, the term remains in use.
The climate of India consists of a wide range of weather conditions across a vast geographic scale and varied topography. Based on the Köppen system, India hosts six major climatic sub types, ranging from arid deserts in the west, alpine tundra and glaciers in the north, and humid tropical regions supporting rain forests in the southwest and the island territories. Many regions have starkly different microclimates, making it one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world. The country's meteorological department follows the international standard of four seasons with some local adjustments: winter, summer, monsoon or rainy season, and a post-monsoon period.
Karachi has a semi-arid climate, formerly a hot desert climate, albeit a moderate version of this climate, influenced by monsoons. Karachi has a tropical climate, despite being located slightly above the Tropic of Cancer. It is situated in the monsoon region of Pakistan. It is located on the coast bordering the Arabian Sea, and as a result, has a relatively mild climate. However, in more recent years, rainfall has become more abundant. For this reason, the city may be classed as semi-arid (BSh), since it has a mild climate with a short but defined wet season, along with a lengthy dry season.
Pakistan's climate varies from a continental type of climate in the north, a mountainous dry climate in the west (Baluchistan), a wet climate in the East (Punjab) an arid climate in the Thar Desert, to a tropical climate in the southeast (Sindh), characterized by extreme variations in temperature, both seasonally and daily, because it is located on a great landmass barely north of the Tropic of Cancer.
The province of Sindh is situated in a tropical region, with subtropical regions in the northern sections; it is hot, humid and very rainy in the summer and cold and dry in winter. Temperatures frequently rise above 46 °C (115 °F) between May and August, and the minimum average temperature of 2 °C (36 °F) occurs during December and January. The annual rainfall averages about nearly 14 inches (360 mm), falling mainly during June and September. The southwesterly monsoon wind begins to blow in mid-February and continues until the end of September, whereas the cool northerly wind blows during the winter months from October to January.
The climate of Islamabad is a humid subtropical climate with four seasons: a pleasant Spring (March–April), a hot Summer (May–August), a warm dry Autumn (September—October), and a cold Winter (November—February). The hottest month is June, where average highs routinely exceed 37 °C (98.6 °F). The wettest month is July, with heavy rainfall and evening thunderstorms with the possibility of cloudburst. The coldest month is January, with temperatures variable by location. In Islamabad, temperatures vary from cold to mild, routinely dropping below zero. In the hills there is sparse snowfall. The weather ranges from a minimum of −6.0 °C (21.2 °F) in January to a maximum of 46.1 °C (115.0 °F) in June. The average low is 2 °C (35.6 °F) in January, while the average high is 38.1 °C (100.6 °F) in June. The highest temperature recorded was 46.5 °C (115.7 °F) in June, while the lowest temperature was −6.0 °C (21.2 °F) in January. On 23 July 2001, Islamabad received a record breaking 620 millimetres (24 in) of rainfall in just 10 hours. It was the heaviest rainfall in Pakistan during the past 100 years.
The floods in Pakistan began in late July 2010, resulting from heavy monsoon rains in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and, Balochistan regions of Pakistan, which affected the Indus River basin. Approximately one-fifth of Pakistan's total land area was affected by floods, with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province facing the brunt of the damage and casualties. Nationwide, there were 1,985 deaths. According to Pakistani government data, the floods directly affected about 20 million people, mostly by destruction of property, livelihood and infrastructure.
Lahore features a five-season semi-arid climate, bordering a humid subtropical climate, with five seasons: foggy winter with few western disturbances causing rain; pleasant spring ; summer with dust, rain storms and heat wave periods; rainy monsoon ; and dry autumn. However, in some cases, it can be classified as being humid subtropical (Cwa), rather than semi-arid, since it has well defined seasons and an ample amount of rain. It occasionally has very prolonged and dense monsoons, typical of a humid subtropical climate.
The climate of Gwadar is located at 0 metres (0 ft)–300 metres (984 ft) meters above sea level and features a dry and hot arid climate. The oceanic influence keeps the temperature lower than that in the summer and higher in winter. The mean temperature in the hottest month of June remains between 31 °C (88 °F) and 32 °C (90 °F). The mean temperature in the coldest month of January varies from 18 °C (64 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F). The uniformity of temperature is a unique characteristic of the coastal region in Balochistan. Occasionally, winds moving down the Balochistan plateau bring cold spells, otherwise the winter is pleasant. In Gwadar, winter is shorter than summer. Gwadar's weather is identical to that of the Middle East as most rain occurs from December till January. The highest rainfall of 227 millimetres (8.9 in) in 24 hours was recorded on 6 June 2010.
Quetta, Pakistan features a continental semi-arid climate with a large variation between summer and winter temperatures. The highest temperature recorded in Quetta was 42 °C (108 °F) on 10 July 1998. The lowest temperature in Quetta is −18.3 °C (−0.9 °F) which was recorded on 8 January 1970.
Multan is a city located in the southern part of Punjab, province in Pakistan. Multan features a hot semi arid climate with very hot and rainy summers and cold winters. The city witnesses some of the most extreme temperatures in the country. Dust storms are a common occurrence within the city. The closest major city is Bahawalpur. The area around the city is a flat plain and is ideal for agriculture, with many citrus and mango farms. There are many canals that cut across the Multan District, providing water from nearby farms. This makes the land very fertile. However usually land close to the Chenab River are flooded in the monsoon season.
The climate of Hyderabad is semi-arid, featuring too little rain to feature the tropical savanna climate. The days are hot and dry, usually going up to extreme highs of 40 °C (104 °F), while the nights are cool and breezy. Winds usually bring along clouds of dust, and people prefer staying indoors in the daytime, while the breezes at night are pleasant and clean.
Dhaka experiences a hot, wet and humid tropical climate. Under the Köppen climate classification, Dhaka has a tropical wet and dry climate. The city has a distinct monsoonal season, with an annual average temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) and monthly means varying between 18 °C (64 °F) in January and 29 °C (84 °F) in August. Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 1,854 millimetres (73.0 in) occurs during the monsoon season which lasts from May until the end of September. Increasing air and water pollution emanating from traffic congestion and industrial waste are serious problems affecting public health and the quality of life in the city. Water bodies and wetlands around Dhaka are facing destruction as these are being filled up to construct multi-storied buildings and other real estate developments. Coupled with pollution, such erosion of natural habitats threatens to destroy much of the regional biodiversity.
The climate of Agra features a semi-arid climate that borders on a humid subtropical climate. The city features mild winters, hot and dry summers and a monsoon season. The monsoon, though substantial in Agra, is not quite as heavy as the monsoon in other parts of India. The average monsoon rainfall during June to September is 628.6 millimeters. Agra is reputation of being one of the hottest and the coldest towns in India. In summers the city witnesses a sudden surge in temperature and at times, mercury goes beyond the 46 °C mark in addition to a very high level of humidity. During summer, the daytime temperature hovers around 46-50 °C. Nights are relatively cooler and temperature lowers to 30 °C. Winter minimum temperatures sometimes goes as low as 3 or 3.5 °C but usually hovers in the range of 6 to 8 °C.
The climate of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) is primarily defined as humid subtropical with dry winter (Cwa) type with parts of Western U.P. as hot semi-arid (BSh) type. Alternatively, some authors refer to it as tropical monsoon. Variations do exist in different parts of the large state. However, the uniformity of the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain forming the bulk of the state gives a predominantly single climatic pattern to the state with minor regional variations. U.P. has a climate of extremes. With temperatures fluctuating anywhere from 0 °C or 32 °F to 50 °C or 122 °F in several parts of the state and cyclical droughts and floods due to unpredictable rains, the summers are extremely hot, winters are cold and the rainy season can be either very wet or very dry.
The 2011 Sindh floods was the highest-ever recorded rainfall between 11 August 2011, and 14 September 2011 in Sindh Province, Pakistan.
The 2012 Pakistan floods began in early September 2012, resulting from heavy monsoon rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Upper Sindh, Southern Punjab and Balochistan regions of Pakistan.
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