Below normal rainfall forecast for Jan

Islamabad: While forecasting less than normal countrywide rainfall next month, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said there is a high likelihood of just two to three rainy spells occurring in the country in January.

The forecast comes as the winter season is at its peak with plains reporting low temperatures and hilly areas receiving snowfall. In a weather advisory issued in the shape of the ‘Monthly Outlook for January 2018’ based on the prevailing global and regional meteorological conditions, the PMD said the weak La Nina conditions were likely to continue in the first quarter of 2018 with the North Atlantic Oscillation remaining positive during the period. It forecast little less than normal rainfall and snowfall in the country in January.

"Two to three spells of rainfall with slightly below normal snowfall over the hills are expected in the country during the period.