KARACHI: The Met Office has warned that water stress will hit the Rabi crops because of deficient rains, particularly in rain-fed areas during Oct-Dec 2020 period. In a weather outlook, it said that dry weather conditions with marginal rains are expected from Oct to Dec 2020.

"Global Circulation Models indicate weak La-Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) during the next three months," the Met said.

Both conditions normally suppress the pre-winter precipitation in Pakistan.

Based on global and regional circulation models, the outlook for the season says:

"The seasonal precipitation is expected to remain below normal from October to December 2020 in Pakistan. Seasonal mean temperatures are likely to remain above normal in most parts of the country."

As a result, prolong smoggy and foggy conditions in plane and urban areas during November and December 2020 will prevail. Besides, an enhanced concentration of urban pollution during dry the winter months (Nov-Dec) are also likely. Frequent frost on plane areas during the month of December 2020 will continue, the Met said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020