Pakistan’s climate vulnerability is no longer a distant warning. If one year brings catastrophic floods, another brings drought-like stress, crop damage, heatwaves and collapsing rural livelihoods. The latest forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department should therefore not be treated as routine weather information. It is an early warning for the government, farmers, city administrations and households alike.
PMD Forecast: Below-Normal Rainfall and Above-Normal Temperatures
The PMD has projected below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across most parts of the country from June to August. This combination is particularly dangerous for Pakistan. Reduced rainfall threatens Kharif sowing, early crop development and rain-fed agriculture, while higher temperatures will increase irrigation demand at a time when water stress is already a serious concern.
Impact on Farmers and Food Security
For farmers, especially small farmers, this can mean lower yields, higher input costs and deeper debt. For the country, it means pressure on food security and rural incomes. The government must move before damage becomes irreversible. Provincial agriculture departments should immediately issue crop advisories, expand access to drought-resistant seed varieties, improve canal water management and prepare targeted support for farmers most exposed to moisture stress.
Need for Timely Relief and Support
Relief cannot come months after the loss has occurred. It must be timely, practical and connected to actual field conditions. Crop insurance, emergency credit, subsidised inputs and pest control support should all be part of the response. At the same time, the public must prepare for a difficult summer.
Public Health Threat from Heatwaves
Heatstroke risks will rise, especially in southern Punjab and Sindh. Hospitals, schools, workplaces and local governments must treat heat as a public health threat, not a seasonal inconvenience. Water points, shaded spaces, public awareness campaigns and emergency response units can save lives.
Compounding Factors: Load-Shedding and Urban Planning
Load-shedding will make the crisis worse. High temperatures, weak power supply and poor urban planning are a dangerous mix. Pakistan cannot control global warming alone, but it can control its preparedness. The forecast is clear. The response must be clearer still.
