Climate of pakistan

1. 1. Climate of Pakistan
2. 2. Climate and Weather Climate: Weather is generalization of the day to day weather
conditions over a long period of time usually thirty years. Weather: Weather refers to the
atmospheric conditions of any place for a short period of time (temporary changes in the
climate)
3. 3. Difference between weather and climate WEATHER: Weather is what conditions of the
atmosphere are over a short period of time. CLIMATE: Climate is how the atmosphere
"behaves" over relatively long periods of time.
4. 4. Seasons of Pakistan Pakistan has four seasons Winter (mid December to March) Early
summer (April to June) Late summer (July to September) Post monsoon (October to Mid
December)
5. 5. Rainfall The quantity of water, expressed in inches, precipitated as rain, snow, hail, or
sleet in a specified area and time interval. Only in a few northern areas humid conditions are
found. The rainfall in Pakistan is highest in northern areas decreases towards south. Sources
of rainfall in Pakistan: Monsoon winds The Western Depression Convectional Currents
Relief rainfall Tropical cyclones
6. 6. Monsoon winds: Monsoon winds are seasonal winds which blow during summer and
winter. The summer winds are called South-west monsoons and the winter winds are called
North-east monsoons. South-west monsoon are giant sea breezes which bring rainfall. the
rains began when the ocean are less heated and land is more heated. The air from the land
rises developing a low pressure and it attracts the cool air causing heavy rainfall. North-east
monsoons blow from the land towards the sea.
7. 7. Western depression Western Depression are the cyclones which originate in
Mediterranean Sea, they travel across Afghanistan and Iran and then reach the western part
of Pakistan. The moisture in the air is evaporated causing rainfall.
8. 8. Convectional currents Hot air rises during summer and when it reaches the high layer
of atmosphere, condensation takes place causing rainfall. Strong winds accompanying the
storms may pick up dust with them Only northern and north western areas of Pakistan
receive rainfall from Convectional currents. Southern Pakistan despite being more hot then
the northern areas experience less rainfall because of temperature inversion layer.
9. 9. Relief rainfall: Relief rainfall is related to the height of land. It occurs where moist
unstable air moves up a mountain edge and it is chilled, heavy condensation takes place and
rainfall occurs.
10. 10. Tropical cyclones: Tropical cyclones bring heavy rainfall for few hours and can cause a
lot of destruction. They originate in Arabian Sea quite often but rarely reach the coast of
Pakistan. Therefore, this source of rainfall is totally unreliable.
11. 11. Climatic zones of Pakistan Highland Zone: Region: Northern, north western
and western highlands. Areas: Chitral, Murree, Muzzafarabad, Drosh, Quetta, Kalat,
Parachinar, Waziristan Climate: the winters are long, cold and snowy and summers remain

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short and mild Rainfall is normally associated with altitude. Rainfall in Northern Mountain is
highest in the highland zone. Rainfall in the western mountain is less The temperature
conditions also vary from north to west depending on the altitude.
12. North: Summers are short and mild because of transfer of heat from central
Pakistan and high angle of sun. Winters are very cold because of high altitude and low angle
of sun. West: summers are dry and warm in Western mountain because of continental effect,
aridity and high angle of sun Winters are mild warm because of low angle of sun, altitude and
Western Depressions.
13. The growth of tress is retarded because of severe cold winters. At some places
rivers and torrents also freeze and during winter farming is not practiced and people are
involved in indoor activities. Transhumance is also practiced People live their as nomadic
herdsman Many northern areas are not accessible due to landslides and heavy snowfall
Lack of water supple discourages human settlements
14. Sources of rainfall: Relief rainfall Monsoon rainfall Thunderstorms Western
Depression
15. Arid zone Regions: south-eastern desert, and south-western Balochistan Areas:
Kharran Desert south-western Balochistan, south-eastern desert. Climate: It is markedly dry
and hot. Hot dusty winds prevail continuously from mid May to mid-September, rainfall takes
place during winter season in south-western Balochistan, in south eastern desert monsoons
bring little rainfall. Extreme heat, dust storms are the main features of this arid climate.
Winters are cool-mild because of low angle of sun, summers are hot because of high angle
of sun. Summers are very hot during the day.
16. Life and Economic activities The region is deficient of moisture. the temperature is
so extreme that it isnt suitable for habitation or cultivation. The majority of people are
nomadic, they move from one place to another with their animals. Because rainfall is very low
thats why unique system of karez is established. Through perennial canals many areas are
irrigated. People there wear thick and rough clothes in order to protect them from extreme
heat. They move from one place to another in search of water. Source of rainfall Little
rainfall from Western Depression and monsoon winds.
17. Lowland Zone Semi arid to arid Region: Indus plain except the Coastal
areas. Areas: Islamabad, Sialkot, Sarghoda, Multan, Jacobabad, and Sukkur Climate: It has
arid and extreme climate with hot summers, cool winters and summer monsoon rainfall.
Thunderstorms are also common in north and north-west of the Indus plain. The upper Indus
plain and Lower Indus plain theres less rainfall and spells of very high temperature. Winters
are cool-mild because of low angle of sun and continental effect and summers are hot due to
high angle of sun and continental effect.
18. Life and Economic activities: The plain is drained through four tributaries of Indus River,
economically; it is the most productive region of Pakistan. There is a well developed canal
system and many crops are grown there such as millet, wheat, cotton and sugarcane
Population is high and theres moderate rainfall and tolerable temperature.
19. Sources of rainfall: Convectional rainfall in northern Punjab Western depression in
northern Punjab Monsoon rainfall

20. 20. Coastal zone Region: Indus Delta, Karachi and Makran coast Areas: Karachi,
Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara and Gwadar Climate: The climate is dominated by sea breezes
throughout the year; the maritime influence keeps the daily temperature low. The
temperature on land and sea is different; land and water absorb the suns heat and water and
also radiate it. In summer the land heats up, while ocean remains cool. In winter the land
loses heat quickly and becomes cold while ocean remains hot. The humidity level is usually
high, more than 50% from April to September. Means monthly temperature is 32 and May,
June and October are the C hottest month. During October the climate is dominated by dry
winds from south-eastern desert. Rainfall is scanty; the rainfall is experienced during
monsoon season.
21. 21. Life and economic activities: The rainfall takes place during monsoon season, many
tourist visit Karachi in November and February and most of the social events are held in
these months. The extent of precipitation affects the supply of drinking water in Gwadar. The
development of Gwadar port had made is a major district of Pakistan and had contributed in
the economic development of Balochistan. Economic activities could be carried out
throughout the year because of moderate climate. Farming is possible, the sea ports are
operational throughout the year in order to carry international trade, roads and rail transport
links are never closed in the year for the businesses, air flights are rarely cancelled, all types
of industries are present there. However, during summer months, tropical cyclones
sometimes cause coastal flooding in low-lying areas causing damage to infrastructure.
Fishing is nearly impossible when the sea is wild and fishing communities face losses.
22. 22. Sources of rainfall: Monsoon rainfall Western depression Tropical cyclones
23. 23. Factors affecting temperature of Pakistan Latitudinal effect: The areas
that lie near the equator encounter more amounts of sun rays than the areas that dont lie
near the equator. Southern Pakistan receives more amounts of sun rays as compared to
Northern Pakistan. Continental effect: The areas that are away from the sea are unaffected
by maritime influence, consequently; they are more hot as compared to areas near sea.
Winters are extreme and summer temperatures are quite severe Altitude and temperature
Cloud cover and temperature In daytime cloud cover reduces the amount of heat by
reflecting the heat back to the space but in night time it traps the out going heat and because
of this the cloudy nights are warm. Latitude and angle of sun The sun rays dont fall at the
same angle everywhere. During summer, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun
and the northern areas of Pakistan absorb more heat because of high angle of sun, during
winter the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun and the northern areas
experience sun for shorter duration.
24. 24. River flood Overflow of large amount of water beyond its normal limit, especially over
what is normally dry land. Rivers are considered by many people around the country as the
best place for economic development. Water is tentatively an imperative resource for human
beings but its excess may lead to disaster. Excessive water in rivers bring flood
25. 25. Reasons of floods The current flooding in Pakistan is mainly due to climate
change. It is the unusual climate-change-led seasonal cycle of land temperature in Pakistan
that has exacerbated the monsoon rainfall and produced the hugest volume of water in the
northern mountainous region of the country ever recorded in the history, causing floods in the

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Indus river basin. The wood is in demand and because of this theres excessive cutting of
tress which increases surface run off, the trees mangroves act as a barrier and they can
protect the settlements from floods but because of increasing industrialization and
urbanization the water pollution is increasing threatening mangroves The embankments
around the river are not heightened, water easily reaches the settlements. The dams dont
have much capacity to store water and because of this extra water is not store causing flood.
26. Ways to reduce the risk of floods Planting more trees in order to keep check
of the flow of water Build levees in order to prevent the spread of floodwater Stop building on
floodplains Build flood controlling Dams. Building Canals (Drains of Extra Water). Using less
greenhouse gases and reducing pollution in order to stop global warming which is one of the
major causes of floods Prevent Soil Erosion. Do not build on high flood risk area. Flood
warning should be given through media Floodwater must be drained out and facilities to the
refugees must be provided
27. Effects of flood The farmers arent able to use the land until the water drains; they
face destruction of crops and loss of food supplies. The load of river improve the fertility of
land the houses will cut off from the shops and services, mud houses are damaged and
water-borne diseases are spread The transport system is severely affected, roads and
railway tracks are damaged and old routes are arduous to follow because they are drained
with water.
28. precautions During monsoon season they must move to somewhere else in order to
protect their livestock Local residents should change their place and arrangements should be
made in order to fulfill the basic necessities of life. The transport authorities should prepare a
precaution plan and should tell the transporters about the alternative ways. Roads and
railway tracks must be repaired on an emergency basis.
29. Benefits of floods Floods return nutrients to the land and contribute to the health
of wetlands Floods distribute rich sediments and refresh stream. A flooded field could be
used to cultivate rice Allowing rivers and streams to overflow can prevent more serious
flooding The high level of fish production because of nutrients Floods recharge the ground
water supplies.
30. Storms A storm is any disturbed state of an astronomical body's atmosphere especially
affecting its surface, and strongly implying severe. It may be marked by strong wind, hail,
thunder and/or lightning (a thunderstorm), heavy precipitation (snowstorm, rainstorm), heavy
freezing rain (ice storm), strong winds (tropical cyclone, windstorm), or wind transporting
some substance through the atmosphere
31. Drought Drought is an extended period when a region notes a deficiency in its water
supply. A drought can last for months or years, or may be declared after as few as 15 days.
Generally, this occurs when a region receives consistently below average precipitation
There are four ways of categorizing drought Permanent drought Exist where crop cultivation
isnt possible Seasonal drought: Occurs in areas with well-defined rainy and dry season
Invisible drought: It is the result of a water deficiency that reduces crop yields Unpredictable
drought It is the result of abnormally low rainfall

32. 32. Causes of drought Natural Unreliability of monsoon winds may lead to
seasonal drought The dry and hot winds can reduce the moisture contents of sandy soil
Global climate is constantly changing leading to changes in Pakistans climate Human
Deforestation on foothills increase soil erosion and reduces rainfall Mismanagement of water
resources The disputed and unfair distribution of water Over grazing of land Global warming
33. 33. Effects of drought The effects of drought on physical environment are sever, the
land is turned into a desert and because of this the soil is exposed leading to soil erosion,
many species are extinct because of lack of food. Theres rise in temperature and loss of
vegetation, because of low precipitation theres extension of desert areas. Drought not only
effect physical environment but also human environment, drought affect Population Loss of
life because of widespread famines, malnutrition, health problems and starvation Nomadic
lifestyle because people migrate from the areas that are affected by drought and because of
this urbanization is increased causing an increase in domestic waste leading to water
pollution.
34. 34. Drought management Water storage schemes: reservoirs and dams should be
built in order to store water and some traditional methods should also be utilized in oreder to
store water. The areas that receive heavy rainfall can utilize the water through perennial
canal system. More projects are required in order to mett the needs of people. New methods
should be used, desalination process should be used, conversion of waste water in to clean
water through chemical treatment Drought resistant seeds should be used High priority
should be given to the allocation of water to industrial areas and to meet the basic needs of
people.