Extreme weather in Pakistan includes everything from heavy rainfall and flooding to extremely low or extremely high temperatures. Pakistan has one of the highest temperature ranges in the world (temperature range refers to the difference between the highest and lowest recorded temperatures of a certain area). Temperatures can range from as high as those in the Sahara Desert, to as low as those in Alaska, making it one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world. The highest temperature that has ever been recorded in Pakistan is 53.8 °C (128.8 °F), which was recorded in Turbat, Balochistan, and Moenjo Daro, Sindh, on 28 May 2017 and 26 May 2010 respectively. It was not only the hottest temperature ever to be recorded in Pakistan, but it was also the hottest reliably measured temperature that has ever been recorded on the continent of Asia, and it was the fourth-highest temperature that has ever been recorded on Earth. On 23 July 2001, a rainfall of 620 millimetres (24 in) was recorded in Islamabad; the rain fell in just 10 hours.
Temperature
Temperature is measured, as standard, at 1.2 meters above ground, and out of direct sunlight (hence the term x degrees "in the shade").
High temperatures
In Pakistan, heat waves can occur at any time between April and September; the most powerful ones occur in May and June. Areas of southern Pakistan often experience temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F). The most deadly heat wave in Pakistan's history was the record-breaking heat wave of May 2010. Heat spreads throughout the north-central part of the country, including the Punjab and KPK.
List of cities with temperature of 50 °C or above
This list is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2022, along with other sources.
Date | Temperature °C | City | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 May 2017 | 54 °C
(129.2 °F) |
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. | |
26 May 2010 | 53 °C (127 °F) | Larkana | Sindh | This was the fifth-highest temperature that has ever been recorded on Earth and the second-hottest reliably-measured temperature to be recorded on the continent of Asia. Larkana has been Pakistan's hottest city since 2010. 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded on four consecutive days from 24 to 27 May 2010. | |
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. This temperature was also recorded on 12 June 1919. | |
26 May 2010 | 53 °C (127 °F) | Sibi | Balouchistan | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded on five consecutive days between 22 and 26 May 2010. Previously, 52.6 °C (126.7 °F) was recorded on June 5, 2003. | |
12 June 1919 | 52.8 °C (127.0 °F) | Jacobabad | Sindh | ||
31 May 1998 | 52.7 °C (126.9 °F) | Larkana | Sindh | This was the highest recorded temperature in 1998. | |
26 May 2010 | 52.5 °C (126.5 °F) | Padidan | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded on three consecutive days from 24 to 26 May 2010. | |
19 May 2016 | 52.2 °C (126.0 °F) | Larkana | Sindh | It was the highest recorded temperature in Pakistan in 2016. 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for four consecutive days from 17 to 20 May 2016. | |
30 May 2009 | 52 °C (126 °F) | Turbat | Balouchistan | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for five consecutive days from 26 to 29 May 2009. | |
26 May 2010 | 52 °C (126 °F) | Nawabshah | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for five consecutive days from 22 to 26 May 2010. | |
19 May 2013 | 51.5 °C (124.7 °F) | Larkana | Sindh | ||
22 May 2010 | 51.3 °C (124.3 °F) | Larkana | Sindh | ||
9 June 2007 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Bhakkar | Punjab | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for two consecutive days on the 9 and 10 June 2007. | |
1 June 1996 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Rohri | Sindh | ||
28 May 2010 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Dadu | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) was recorded for two days, 26 and 27 May 2010. | |
26 May 2010 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Noorpurthal | Punjab | 50 °C (122 °F) was recorded on May 19, 2011. | |
25 May 2010 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Sukkur | Sindh | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for three consecutive days, 25 to 27 May 2010. | |
10 June 2007 | 51 °C (124 °F) | Sargodha | Punjab | 50 °C (122 °F) was recorded for 2 days, 9 and 10 June 2007. | |
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. | |
27 May 2010 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Multan | Punjab | Record temperature in city; previous highest was 49 °C (120 °F) in 1956. | |
26 May 2010 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Bahawalnagar | Punjab | ||
20 May 2011 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Pasni | Balochistan | ||
20 June 1986 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Dera Ghazi Khan | Punjab | 50 °C (122 °F) or above was recorded for three consecutive days from 20 June 1986. | |
5 June 1978 | 50 °C (122 °F) | Dera Ismail Khan | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | ||
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. |
List of cities with temperature of 45 °C or above but below 50 °C
This list is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020, and other sources.
Date | Temperature °C | City | Province | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
20 April 2017 | 49.0 °C (120.2 °F) | Sukkur | Sindh | This was a record breaking temperature for the month of April. |
Record breaking heat wave of April 2017
Main article: 2017 Pakistan heat waveA severe heat wave with temperatures as high as 50 °C (122 °F) hit Pakistan, especially its southern areas, in April 2017. This heat wave broke the old temperature records of many cities in the country for 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.
Recorded temperatures
Extreme temperatures started to affect these 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 |
Record breaking 2010 summer heat wave
The hottest temperature ever to be recorded in Asia, and the fourth highest temperature that has ever been recorded in the world, was recorded in Mohenjo-daro, Sindh, at 53.5 °C (128.3 °F). The second hottest temperature ever to be recorded in Asia and the fifth highest temperature ever to be recorded in the world was in Larkana, Sindh at 53 °C (127 °F) on May 26, 2010. Twelve cities in Pakistan saw temperatures that went above 50 °C (122 °F) during the extreme summer heatwave of 2010, which lasted from May 22 to May 31 of that year. On May 27, temperatures higher than 45 °C (113 °F) hit areas across Pakistan and at least 18 people died as a result. In addition, during the extreme heatwave season, eleven 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 extreme temperatures of more than 45 °C (113 °F), although they were below 50 °C (122 °F). The previous highest temperature ever recorded for Pakistan and for Asia was on June 12, 1919, at 52.8 °C (127.0 °F); this occurred at Jacobabad.
Low temperatures
In northern and western Pakistan, cold waves can occur between October and March. The most powerful cold waves usually occur in December and January. During these cold waves, some areas of northern and western Pakistan often experience temperatures that are below 0 °C. Often, the place most affected by these cold waves is the glacial parts of Gilgit Baltistan, where, in winter, the average temperature remains below -20 °C. The K2 Peak has recorded a wind chill of -65 °C. The most deadly cold wave in the recent history of Pakistan was the record-breaking cold wave of winter 2020. Temperatures in the hottest places of Pakistan fell below 2 °C or more. Cities that are near the foothills of the Himalayas, including Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore, can record temperatures that are 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.
List of some important cities of Pakistan with temperature of 0 °C or below Official data (according to Pakistan Metrological Department)
Date | Temperature °C | City | Province | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
7 January 1995 | -24 °C. (-11.2 °F) | Skardu | Gilgit-Baltistan | |
??? | -23.9 °C | Naran (town) | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
8 January 1970 | -18.3 °C (-0.9 °F) | Quetta | Balochistan, Pakistan | |
20 January 1978 | −17 °C (1 °F) | Kalat | Balochistan | |
5 February 1984 | -13.9 °C | Dir | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
11 January 1987 | -13.5 °C | Gilgit | Gilgit Baltistan | |
29 December 1972 | -12.2 °C | Chitral | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
???? | -11 °C | Murree | Punjab, Pakistan | |
30 December 1997 | -11 °C | Dalbandin | Balochistan, Pakistan | |
26 January 2008 | -11 °C | Drosh | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
9 February 1974 | -10 °C | Nok Kundi | Balochistan, Pakistan | |
30 December 1977 | -10 °C | Barkhan | Balochistan, Pakistan | |
23 January 1982 | -7.3 °C | Kakul | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
17 January
1967 |
−6.0 °C (21.2 °F) | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | |
6 January 2006 | −5.4 °C (22.3 °F) | Mohenjo Daro | Sindh | |
11 December 1996 | −4.1 °C (24.6 °F) | Faisalabad | Punjab | |
17 January 1967 | -3.9 °C | Rawalpindi | Punjab, Pakistan | |
11 January 1967 | -3.9 °C | Multan | Punjab, Pakistan | |
27 January 2008 | -3 °C | Saidu Sharif | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
1 February 1929 | -3 °C | Sialkot | Punjab | |
15 January 1935 | -3 °C | Bahawalpur | Punjab, Pakistan | |
17 January 1935 | -2 °C | Lahore | Punjab | |
10 January 1983 | -1.6 °C | Peshawar | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
6 January 2006 | −1.0 °C (30.2 °F) | Larkana | Sindh |
Precipitation
The standard instrument for measuring rain or snowfall is the rain gauge.
Rainfall
Pakistan receives rainfall from both monsoons and western disturbances. The Monsoon season occurs from July to September and brings a heavy downpour across the country, except in western Balochistan. Western disturbances occur from October to May and bring rainfall across the country, with some heavy downpour in northern Pakistan. In June, however, western disturbances occasionally hit the northern parts of the country. Occasionally, pre-monsoon weather can also occur in this month.
Heaviest rainfall in a single season
Record-breaking rainfall in Pakistan that occurred over a single season. This table is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2022 and other sources.
Season | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | City | Province | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
July–August 2022 | 1,763.9 | 69.4 | Padidan | Sindh | 1,763.9 millimetres (69.44 in) of rainfall was recorded from 01.07.2022 to 26.08.2022 in Padidan. This was a result of a consistent low pressure area that occurred over northern Sindh. It was the heaviest rainfall in Sindh that has ever been recorded. |
Heaviest rainfall of 400 mm or above during a 24 hour period
Record-breaking rainfall that occurred in Pakistan, which reached over 400 millimetres (16 in) or above during a 24-hour period. This table is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2016, along with other sources.
Date | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | City | Province | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
23 July 2001 | 620 | 24.4 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | 620 millimetres (24 in) of rainfall was recorded in a period of 10 hours, on 23 July 2001. This occurred in Islamabad as the result of a cloudburst. It was the heaviest rainfall in Islamabad and also the heaviest recorded in Pakistan. |
Rainfall between 200 mm and 400 mm during a 24 hour period
Record-breaking rainfall that occurred in Pakistan, recorded to be between 200 millimetres (7.9 in) and 400 millimetres (16 in), during a 24-hour period. This is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020, along with other sources.
Date | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | City | Province | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19 August 2022 | 355 | 13.7 | Padidan | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall, which occurred due to a well marked low pressure area | |
11 August 2011 | 350 | 13.7 | Tando Ghulam Ali | Sindh | ||
23 July 2001 | 335 | 13.1 | Rawalpindi (Shamsabad) | Punjab | Record-breaking rainfall in Rawalpindi, which occurred due to a cloudburst. | |
7 September 2011 | 312 | 12.2 | Diplo | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall in Diplo. | |
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 rainfall to ever occur in the month of September during a 24-hour period. | |
5 September 2014 | 296 | 11.7 | Jhelum | Punjab | Heaviest rainfall to ever occur in the month of September during a 24-hour period. | |
5 September 2014 | 297 | 11.7 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | ||
10 August 2011 | 291 | 11.5 | Mithi | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall in Mithi. | |
29 July 2010 | 280 | 11.0 | Risalpur | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| |
7 August 1953 | 278.1 | 10.95 | Karachi (Manora) | Sindh | ||
29 July 2010 | 274 | 10.7 | Peshawar | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Record-breaking rainfall in Peshawar; the previous record was 187 millimetres (7.4 in) mm, which was recorded on 10 April 2009. | |
5 September 1961 | 264.2 | 10.4 | Faisalabad | Punjab | ||
30 July 2010 | 257 | 10.1 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | ||
29 July 2010 | 257 | 10.1 | Cherat | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | ||
2 July 1972 | 256.5 | 10.1 | Nawabshah | Sindh | ||
10 September 1992 | 255 | 10.0 | Murree | Punjab | ||
5 September 2014 | 251 | 9.9 | Mangla | Punjab | ||
5 September 2014 | 251 | 9.9 | Sialkot | Punjab | ||
12 September 1962 | 250.7 | 9.8 | Hyderabad | Sindh | ||
18 July 2009 | 205 | 8.07 | Karachi (Masroor) | Sindh |
| |
5 September 2014 | 243 | 9.6 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | ||
2 September 2020 | 240 | 9.4 | bahawalnagar | Punjab | ||
26 August 2011 | 240 | 9.4 | Kohat | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | ||
31 August 2011 | 238 | 9.4 | Padidan | Sindh | ||
5 September 2014 | 234 | 9.2 | Rawalakot | Azad Kashmir | ||
27 August 1997 | 233.8 | 9.2 | Murree | Punjab | ||
29 July 2010 | 233 | 9.1 | Kohat | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | ||
30 July 2010 | 231 | 9.1 | Murree | Punjab | ||
6 June 2010 | 227 | 8.9 | Gwadar | Balouchistan | Record-breaking rainfall in Gwadar. | |
7 September 2011 | 225 | 8.85 | Mithi | Sindh | ||
13 August 2008 | 221 | 8.7 | Lahore | Punjab | ||
20 July 2013 | 217 | 8.6 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | ||
1 August 1976 | 211 | 8.3 | Lahore | Punjab | ||
7 July 2003 | 209 | 8.2 | Larkana | Sindh | Record-breaking rainfall in a span of 24 hours. | |
10 September 1992 | 208 | 8.2 | Muzaffarabad | Azad Kashmir | ||
1 July 1977 | 207.6 | 8.1 | Karachi | Sindh | ||
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; the previous record was 116 millimetres (4.6 in), which was recorded on 4 July 1994. | |
11 August 2011 | 200 | 7.8 | Tando Mohammad Khan | Sindh | ||
11 August 2011 | 200 | 7.8 | Tando Ghulam Haider | Sindh | ||
24 July 2001 | 200 | 7.8 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory | ||
27 August 1997 | 200 | 7.8 | Islamabad | Islamabad Capital Territory |
Record-breaking heavy rainfall of August 2022 in Sindh
Main article: 2022 Pakistan floodsIn early July, 2022, when the monsoon began, week long periods of rainfall were already affecting Sindh. A low pressure area had developed over the Bay of Bengal, which became a depression, before it hit northern Sindh on 18 August. The depression became stationary over the northern areas of the province, and caused unprecedented, record-breaking rainfall in places such as Larkana, Naushahro Feroze, Kambar Shahdadkot, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Dadu, Nawabshah, Shikarpur until 22 August. Another low pressure area hit the same part of the province on 25 August, and caused levels of rainfall that stretched from heavy to very heavy.
Heavy rainfall recorded during the month of August 2022 in Sindh
Heavy rainfall of more than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) that was recorded during the month of August 2022, in the province of Sindh, but particularly in northern Sindh. This information is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) |
---|---|---|
Padidan | 1228.5 | 48.4 |
Moenjo Daro | 779.5 | 30.7 |
Larkana | 762.3 | 30.0 |
Sakrand | 617 | 24.3 |
Khairpur Mir's | 606.3 | 23.8 |
Tando Jam | 603 | 23.7 |
Chhor | 547.9 | 21.6 |
Jacobabad | 498.7 | 19.6 |
Nawabshah | 495.7 | 19.5 |
Sukkur | 379 | 14.9 |
Rohri | 371.4 | 14.6 |
Dadu | 337 | 13.3 |
Badin | 307.5 | 12.1 |
Mirpur Khas | 304 | 12.0 |
Mithi | 273 | 10.7 |
Hyderabad | 243 | 9.6 |
Thatta | 208.8 | 8.2 |
Record-breaking heavy Rainfall of September 2014
Main article: 2014 India–Pakistan floodsIn the first week of September, 2014, an August-like monsoonal period hit the country. This occurred when a very low air pressure system (29") was formed over Kashmir; this then moved eastward into Northern Pakistan. The spell caused torrential rainfall on the first five days of September. This resulted in devastation to life and property. As the last two days of the spell were extremely wet, the River Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej and Indus burst their banks.
Heavy rainfall recorded during the wet spell of September 2014
Rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres (7.9 in) that was recorded during the wet spell of September 1 to 5, 2014, in northern Pakistan. This information is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
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 (Old 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 |
Record-breaking heavy rainfall of September 2012 in Sindh
Main article: 2012 Pakistan floodsAfter severe drought conditions, which occurred in Sindh during the months of July and August, 2012, an intense low-pressure area developed in the Bay of Bengal. This occurred in late August. The low-pressure area moved towards Sindh, causing torrential rains in Upper Sindh. The highest rainfall to be recorded was in Jacobabad, with a record 481 millimetres (18.9 in) in just 7 days, and 441 millimetres (17.4 in) in just 36 hours. In Larkana, 239 millimetres (9.4 in) of rainfall was recorded; 206 millimetres (8.1 in) of rainfall was recorded in Sukkur. Larkana was the worst affected by heavy rainfall.
Heavy rainfall recorded during the wet spell of September 2012 in Sindh
Heavy rainfall of more than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) that was recorded during the wet spell of September 5 to 11, 2012, in the province of Sindh, but particularly in Upper Sindh. This information is 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; 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. |
Record-breaking torrential rainfall of August and September 2011 in Sindh
In the month of July, Pakistan received unusually low monsoon rainfall; however, in August and September, the country received unusually high monsoon rainfall. A strong weather pattern entered Sindh from the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, in August. It gained strength over time and caused a heavy downpour. The first monsoon spell hit the southern parts of Sindh on 10 August. It produced record breaking, widespread, torrential rainfall, and caused floodig in the district of Badin. The second spell hit 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 rainfall produced even more devastating torrential rains in the already affected areas of Sindh.
Heavy rainfall recorded during the wet spells of August and September 2011 in Sindh
Rainfall of exceeding 200 millimetres (7.9 in) that was recorded in the heaviest monsoon spell, in different areas of Sindh province, during the months of August and September, 2011. This table is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | Monsoon Spell | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mithi | 760 | 30.0 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Mithi. |
Mirpur Khas | 603 | 23.7 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Mirpur Khas. |
Padidan | 356 | 14.0 | August 30 to September 4 | Record-breaking rainfall in Padidan. |
Nawabshah | 353.2 | 13.9 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Nawabshah. |
Dadu | 348.1 | 13.7 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Dadu. |
Badin | 302.1 | 11.8 | August 10 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Badin. |
Chhor | 268 | 10.6 | September 1 to 14 | Record-breaking rainfall in Chhor. |
Hyderabad | 244.2 | 9.6 | September 1 to 14 | |
Karachi | 212.2 | 8.3 | September 1 to 14 |
- September 1 to 14, 2011: four consecutive spells of monsoon rains in Sindh.
- August 1 to 14, 2011: first spell of monsoon rains in Sindh.
- August 30 to September 4: second spell of monsoon rains in Sindh.
Record-breaking heavy rainfall of July 2010
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 caused floods in Balochistan and Sindh. The floods that were caused by these monsoon rains, and were forecast to continue into early August, were described as the worst in the last 80 years. The Pakistan Meteorological Department said that over 200 millimetres (7.9 in) of rain fell over a 24-hour period, in a number of places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, and that more was expected. A record-breaking 274 millimetres (10.8 in) of rain fell in Peshawar in 24 hours; previously 187 millimetres (7.4 in) of rain was recorded in April 2009. Other record-breaking rains were recorded in Risalpur, Cherat, Saidu Sharif, Mianwali, and Kohat regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Heavy rainfall recorded during the wet spell of July 2010
Heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres (7.9 in) that was recorded during the four-day wet spell of July 27 to 30, 2010, in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. This table is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
City | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) | Monsoon spell | Province |
---|---|---|---|---|
Risalpur | 415 | 16.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Islamabad | 394 | 15.5 | July 27 to 30 | Islamabad Capital Territory |
Murree | 373 | 14.6 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab |
Cherat | 372 | 14.6 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Garhi Dopatta | 346 | 13.6 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir |
Saidu Sharif | 338 | 13.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Peshawar | 333 | 13.1 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Kamra | 308 | 12.1 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab |
Rawalakot | 297 | 11.7 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir |
Muzaffarabad | 292 | 11.5 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir |
Lahore | 288 | 11.3 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab |
Mianwali | 271 | 10.6 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab |
Lower Dir | 263 | 10.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Kohat | 262 | 10.3 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Balakot | 256 | 10.0 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Sialkot | 255 | 10.0 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab |
Pattan | 242 | 9.5 | July 27 to 30 | Azad Kashmir |
Dir | 231 | 9.10 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Gujranwala | 222 | 8.7 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab |
Dera Ismail Khan | 220 | 8.6 | July 27 to 30 | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Rawalpindi | 219 | 8.6 | July 27 to 30 | Punjab |
Snowfall
Pakistan receives snowfall from western disturbances. Between the months of November and February, western disturbances bring snowfall to the more mountainous or hilly areas of Pakistan; the heaviest snowfall occurs in those areas that are farther north, where blizzards are common. In February 2017, at least 14 people were killed and 9 were injured by an avalanche in the Sher Shall area of Chitral district.
Heaviest snowfall of 40" or above during 24 hours
Record-breaking snowfall in Pakistan that exceeded 40 inches (100 cm), during a 24-hour period. This is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020, along with other sources.
Date | Snowfall (in) | Snowfall (cm) | City or Station | Province | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 February 2013 | 42 | 107 | Malam Jabba | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Heaviest snowfall of 20" or above but below 40" during 24 hours
Record-breaking snowfall in Pakistan that exceeded 20 inches (51 cm) but did not exceed 40 inches (100 cm), during a 24-hour period. This information is based on data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 1931–2020, along with other sources.
Date | Snowfall (in) | Snowfall (cm) | City or Station | Province | References |
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4 February 2013 | 24 | 60.96 | Kalam | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
Wind
Date | City | Wind speed (km/h) | Wind speed (mph) | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
9 June 2005 | Multan | 205 | 126 | Duststorm | |
28 March 2001 | Bhalwal, Sargodha | 193 | 121 | Tornado reported | |
12 June 1962 | Rawalpindi | 177 | 110 | ||
13 October 2006 | Rawalpindi | 176 | 110 | Tornado reported | |
2 June 2000 | Faisalabad | 151 | 94 |
Floods
Main article: List of floods in PakistanPakistan has seen many floods. The worst, and most destructive, flooding was the recent 2010 Pakistan floods, which swept away 20% of Pakistan's land. The flood was 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), due to the flooding, at least 1,540 people had died; 2,088 people had received injuries; 557,226 houses had been destroyed; and over 6 million people had been displaced. 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. The flood affected more than 20 million people, and exceeded the combined total of the individuals who were affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. This flood is considered the worst in Pakistan's history, as it affeced people of all four provinces, including Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. The climate in Pakistan is very unpredictable and extreme, due to its geographical location, and the geography of the country itself, which includes both tropical plains and the world's highest peaks. Monsoon season can be harsh, due to Pakistan's close proximity with the monsoon areas of India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Myanmar. Floods in the mountainous regions of the country, which cover about 70% of Pakistani land, can experience very dangerous landfalls and 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. These floods have caused considerable damage: an estimated 270 civilians were killed, and 5.3 million people – as well as 1.2 million homes – were affected. Sindh is a fertile region, and is 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. The flooding has been described as the worst since the 2010 Pakistan floods, which devastated the entire country. Unprecedented torrential monsoon rains caused severe flooding in 16 districts of Sindh province.
Other floods that have caused destruction in Pakistan include the flood of 1950, which killed 2,910 people; the flood of 1977, which killed 248 people, in Karachi (according to Pakistan Meteorological Department, 207 millimetres (8.1 in) of rain fell within 24 hours); the flood of 1992, which killed 1,834 people;the flood of 1993, which killed 3,083 people across South Asia, of which fifteen were in Pakistan; the flood of 2003, which killed 178 people; and the flood of 2007, when Cyclone Yemyin submerged lower part of Balochistan Province in sea water, killing 380 people (before that, Cyclone Yemyin killed 213 people in Karachi).
See also
- 2010 Pakistan floods
- 2011 Sindh floods
- 2014 India–Pakistan floods
- 2015 Pakistan heat wave
- Climate of Pakistan
- Drought in Pakistan
- List of floods in Pakistan
- List of weather records
- Tropical cyclones and tornadoes in Pakistan
Notes
- A. Indicates new record. Record-breaking extreme heat wave observed in the plain areas of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan where 50 °C (122 °F) or more was observed in 12 cities between 22 and 27 May 2010. Previous extreme heat wave conditions were observed in 1998, 2002 and 2007.
- B. Indicates new record. Record-breaking monsoon rains observed during the month of July, 2010 in northeastern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir.
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