Pakistan experienced an exceptional meteorological phenomenon in July 2023 as the month emerged as the ninth wettest in the last 63 years, bringing record-breaking rainfall to various regions. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) officially confirmed this substantial deviation from the norm, with rainfall exceeding 70% of the average, causing significant impacts on the country’s climatic pattern.
Amid this meteorological event, Lahore and other cities bore witness to an unprecedented influx of rain, especially on July 23, when the city experienced an inundation of 206mm of rainfall. Lahore’s cumulative monthly rainfall surged to an astonishing 668.7mm, marking it as the wettest location in the nation following the torrential downpour.
The climatic statistics for July 2023 reveal that the nationwide rain contributed 21.3% to the annual precipitation and a remarkable 44.9% to the overall monsoon. Throughout the month, Pakistan encountered multiple instances of widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall, occurring four to five times, reflecting the magnitude of this meteorological anomaly.
This climatic phenomenon extended beyond Lahore, encompassing various regions of the country. Gilgit Baltistan experienced a particularly significant deviation from average rainfall, recording 44.30mm (+233%) and setting a new record for the wettest July in the past 63 years. Balochistan, Sindh, and other regions similarly encountered noteworthy rainfall deviations. Balochistan recorded 62.70mm (+111%), Sindh registered 146.0mm (+143%), Punjab saw 152.80mm (+47%), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) received 27.70mm (+31%), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) noted 127.30mm (+19%) of above-normal rainfall.
The climatic deviations extended to temperature patterns as well. Notably, certain regions exhibited cooler temperatures than the average, while others experienced slight warming. These anomalies were observed across various parts of the country, shaping the overall climate pattern for the month.
The unprecedented rainfall and climatic deviations impacted various facets of life in Pakistan, influencing public activities, infrastructure, and the general well-being of citizens. This climatic event underscores the importance of understanding and monitoring weather patterns to effectively manage their consequences. As meteorological trends continue to evolve, Pakistan’s scientific community, along with relevant authorities, remain dedicated to comprehending these shifts and their implications for the nation’s future.
