'Near normal' rainfall next month

Islamabad: Though severe El-Nino of 2015-16 settled to normal in early summer, its influence has raised 2016 as the warmest year, say weathermen.

“Currently border-line La Nina conditions prevail in the Pacific which is the cooling phase of ocean. Indian Ocean dipole is also in neutral state. Global climatic conditions and output different forecasting models suggest that the effectiveness of the western disturbances will be weaker in December-January for the South Asian Region including Pakistan,” said the Met Office in the latest weather advisory.

It said a few westerly waves would reach central parts of Pakistan resulting in below normal rainfall/snowfall during December 2016. “Situations are likely to relatively improve in January 2017 when near normal rainfall/snowfall are expected,” it said.

The Met Office warned fog or smog with variable intensity was likely to prevail in Punjab and KP during December and January. It added that the day temperature was likely to remain slightly higher than normal during the period.

“Due to less than normal expected precipitation, surface and ground water resources may experience further depletion. Water management authorities and users should observe extreme care,” it said.