Low rains: drought conditions may aggravate in southern parts

Drought conditions in rain-fed areas are likely to aggravate following low winter rains in half of southern parts of the country, says Met Office. "Winter rainfall from January to March 2015 on Pakistan basis will be closed to normal [long period average of 1961-2010]. Normal to above normal rainfall amount is estimated over north half of the country and below normal rainfall is estimated over southern half of the country," the outlook states.
The office draws the prediction of 'probable' winter (January-March) precipitation over Pakistan on the basis of existing atmospheric circulation and global weather condition. In line with the predicted outlook, it says the water availability in rain-fed widely half of the southern parts will be limited. "Therefore, the available water resources may be judiciously utilised to meet the vital water requirements in the country," it urged.