The Meteorological Department of Balochistan has delivered good news for the province’s areas suffering from long-term drought, forecasting heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in December.
According to officials of the Met Department, a strong westerly weather system will enter Balochistan during the second week of December (from 6 to 10 December), after which the first long and significant spell of rainfall will begin. These rains are expected to continue intermittently throughout the month.
Officials stated that this system is likely to bring much-needed rainfall to drought-affected districts, including Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibi, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Qila Saifullah, Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, and Mastung.
They added that certain areas may receive heavy downpours with thunderstorms, while upper regions may also experience snowfall. Experts noted that northwestern winds are more active this year than usual, and moisture from the Arabian Sea is continuously moving toward Balochistan. This combination is expected to make the rainfall not only long-lasting but beneficial as well, with hopes of improvement in dam levels and underground water reserves.
Following the forecast, residents of drought-stricken districts expressed joy. Farmers, herders, and rural communities offered special prayers of gratitude in mosques, hoping for abundant rainfall and widespread greenery.
The Met Department has advised the public to remain cautious during the rainy period, especially those living near streams and seasonal waterways, as there is a risk of flash flooding.
