Karachi Faces Worst Monsoon Drought in About 29 Years

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, this year, Karachi has recorded its lowest amount of monsoon rainfall in nearly 29 years. Weather experts say a similar dry spell last happened in 1997.

Why the City is Dry

The main reason for this lack of rain is an active climate cycle known as El Niño. El Niño happens when ocean waters in the Pacific grow unusually warm, which alters global weather patterns and holds rainfall.

Normally, Karachi depends on storm systems forming over the Arabian Sea to bring rain inland. Right now, those low-pressure systems are completely absent over the sea. Without them, the local atmosphere stays dry and clear.

What to Expect Next

The Met Office confirmed that there are little to no chances of rain systems reaching Karachi in September as well.

The official monsoon season runs from July 15 to September 15 in Karachi and most parts of Pakistan. In northern regions of the country, monsoon weather can sometimes stretch until September 30. However, Karachi is set to finish the season with almost no rain at all.