ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its forecast for March 2024, predicting that the country will experience nearly normal rainfall and temperatures slightly above average.
According to the PMD, the current El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase, coupled with the neutral phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), suggests that Pakistan will likely see near normal rainfall across most regions during March.
However, areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab, and Kashmir may experience slightly higher than average rainfall.
In terms of temperatures, daytime maximums are expected to be within normal ranges or slightly above, while minimum temperatures are anticipated to be warmer than usual across the country, particularly in the northern regions.
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The forecasted warmer temperatures could accelerate the maturation of Rabi crops, such as wheat, especially in southern areas. Additionally, higher temperatures may trigger the onset of the pollen season in major cities like Islamabad and Lahore.
The temperature variations across different regions could also lead to strong winds, dust storms, and hailstorms. Despite these conditions, standing crops and vegetables are expected to receive a moderate amount of water.