ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Thursday issued a drought advisory for 11 districts of western and southwestern Balochistan, warning that prolonged dry conditions and a worsening rainfall deficit could intensify drought impacts in the coming weeks.
The advisory is an extension of the drought watch issued on October 27, with new data showing that rainfall across the region remained sharply below normal from May to November 2025.
The PMD said the number of Consecutive Dry Days (CDD) had increased significantly during the period, compounding stress on the already arid districts.
The affected areas include Chagai, Gwadar, Kech, Kharan, Mastung, Nushki, Pishin, Panjgur, Qila Abdullah, Quetta and Washuk, all of which have now been placed under the “Pre-Alert” category. The PMD said rainfall departures, long-term climatology and updated CDD indicators pointed to a continued deterioration of moisture conditions.
According to the seasonal outlook for December 2025 to February 2026, the region is expected to receive below-normal rainfall coupled with above-normal temperatures, raising concerns about further depletion of groundwater, reduced rangeland productivity and heightened risks for agriculture and livestock. However, a weather system is likely to touch parts of Balochistan later this month, which may provide “partial relief” and slightly ease drought severity, the advisory noted.
