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UNIT 2: Climate of Pakistan

1. Evaporation: Removal ofwater in the form of vapors from water bodieslike sea, rivers, lakes etc.
2. Transpiration: Removal of water in the form of vapors from plants.
3. Evapotranspiration (Evaporation &Transpiration): The volume of water evaporated conversion of water into
steam) & transpirated (removal of water from plants due to heat) from water, soil & plant surfaces per unit land
area.
4. Arid Areas: Areas, which receives rainfall less the 250mm or the potential evapotranspiration (PET) exceeds by
actual evapotranspiration AET) by more than two times in Arid Areas.
5. Semi-Arid Areas: Areas, which receive rainfall between 250Omm-750mm per year.
6. Humid Areas: Areas, which receive the rainfall more than 750mm per year.
7. Annual Temperature Range: The difference between the temperatures of hottest month with temperature of
coolest month. If the annual temperature range is 20 degree or more than 20 degree then it is said to be 'High
annual temperature Range' otherwise it is called low.
8. Daily Range: The differen ce between the temperature of day and night.
9. Isohyets: Imaginary lines joining
place receiving an equal amount of rain all.
10. Precipitation: Rainfall, Snow or Hail.
11. Temperature Inversion Lope: Due to deserts and sea there is a hot layer on the surtace which reduces the
moisture of the winds.
12. Oceanic Influence: The effect is
of ocean on the climate of the areas, which are near the sea, like these areas
experience less intensity of summer and winter.
13. Continental Effect: The land body heats up rapidly & cools down rapidly so the difference between the
temperature due to this effect of solid body.
14. Altitude
factor: It is experienced at mountainous areas where there is less
intensity of summer due to height.
Weather: Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions (Temperature, Rainfall, Humidity, Air Pressure, Speed
of winds, and Direction of
winds) of any place for a short period of time, usually consist of one day. It is often
localized.
Climate: Climate refers to the average weather conditions (Temperature, Rainfall, Humidity, Air Pressure,
Speed of winds, Direction of winds) of a place for long period of time usually consist of 30 years.
Climatic Zones
Pakistan's topographical features range from lofty mountains in the North to coastal plains in the South.
The diversity of terrain leads to a variety of climates. Climatic divisions/ regions of Pakistan are the
following.
A.
Highland climate:Zone A indicates highland climate of Pakistan prevailing over Northern, North-Western
and Western mountains
B. Lowland climate:
Zone B has lowland climate, which prevail over the whole of the Indus Plain.
C. Coastal climate:
Zone C has Coastal climate experienced by the Makran Coast and Sindh Coast
D. Arid climate:
Zone D has arid climate and includes the South-eastern desert and the South-western part of
Balochistan.
Season
Pakistan has four seasons that can be distinguished as follows.
Winter: December to March.
Summer:Early summer (April to June).
Late summer: (July to September).
POst Monsoon: October to November.
Elementsof Climate: There are four main cimatic elements like, Air Pressure, Winds,
Rainfall. These are responsible for the' regional and seasonal Temperature and
variations in the climate of
Pakistan.
AirPressure: As air is a mixture of gases and these gases have a certain
weight, the air has weight too. The
weight air presses down on the earth and this is called the
of
Barometer in millibar (mb). Air pressure and
atmospheric pressure. It is measured by
temperature run opposite side
Winds: A current of air, moving with sped in any direction, but generally assumed to
surface. The speed of wind is measured by an instrument called an be parallel to the earth's
rose is used. Winds always blow from high
Anemometer. For wind direction a wind
pressure to low pressure, it's a natural principle
During summer season, the temperature in central Pakistan is high. This causes
the hot air to rise up and
form a low-pressure zone, At the same time oceans and seas have
because water absorbs and discharges heat slowly as comparatively low temperature. This is
and seas is higher than over the land compared to the land. The air
pressure over the oceans
during summer, 1his leads to the
called Sea Breeze. These are moisture laden and movement of winds from sea to land
the months of July and
bring heavy rainfall to the upper and lower
Indus Plain in
August

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over the land graduallv increases

reversed because the pressure
whole situation is called
season the of Pakistan. Then winds move from land to sea
During winter north-west
area is created in the
t
high-pressure
and a light and dry.
These are generally the Centigrade or the
in degrees on
eat of a body, usually expressed
Breeze.
Land of hea
Temperature:
The degree
Thermometer. Temperature
decreases in general from the equator
Fahrenheit scale and measured by
decreases with altitude.
temperature
and
regions is due to the following factors).
poles
towards the temperature i various
in
(of
Diversity: latitudes from 24 N to 37 N. areas in the south.
spread of north to low lying coastal
Large
from the very high mountains in the lower
ranging Jacobabad, located in the
Diversity of relief summer season e.g.
lower Indus Plain heat up during the reaches 53 Cin
and
The upper 'thermal pole' of the sub-continent
the maximum temperature
is known as the
IndusPlain
of water condensation
June.
water drops which fall to the earth from the clouds, formed by the
Rainfall: Separate in few
arid or semi-arid. Only a
rain. Most of the areas of Pakistan are
vapourin the atmosphere called rainfall as a whole decreases
found. The
from north to south.
northern areas humid conditions are

Temperature Key
Very hot
40 C and above

2. 31C-39C Hot

3. 21C-30C Warm
4 10C-20C Mild
5. 03C-09C Cool
6. -5C-02C Cold
Very cold
7. Below-5C
Factors (Affecting Temperature of Pakistan)

1. Latitudinal Effect.
2. Continental Effect.
3. Altitude and Temperature.
4. Cloud cover and Temperature.
5. Latitude and the angle of the Sun.
Study Fig.3, shows the mean monthly temperature of Lahore and Quetta.

Fig.3
Q. Compare the mean monthly temperatures of Lahore and Quetta.
Ans. Both graph have a similar range/both 20-22
Lahore warmer and Quetta colder.
Lahore sharp drop after June and Quetta smooth curve.
Lahore increases then decreases and Quetta slight drop May to July.

Q. Explain the seasonal changes in temperature at Lahore.

Ans. Effect of latitude/angle of the sun's rays.
Rising in dry season / lack of cloud cover before monsoon.
Drop in July related to start of monsoon season / heavy rainfall.
ATId: Are those where there is a deficiency of rainfall, which is less than 250 millimeters. The aria d i u

whole of Sindh, Southern part of Punjab and southern part of Balochistan.

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raintall that ranges between 250-750 millimeters. The

where there is a moderate
Semi-Arid: Are those of NWFP.
areas like, NorthernBalochistan, Northern Punjab and major part
semi-arid then 750 millimeters. The humid areas are
is suffticient rainfall, which is
more
Humid:Are those where there and a small area around Parachinar.
the adjoining parts NWFP
Northern strip of Punjab,
Sources of Rain
1. Monsoon Winds
2. The Western Depressions
Thunder Storm
3. Convectional currents/
4. Relief Rainfall
5. Tropical Cyclone Mousim' mean season, it
word is derived from the Arabic word
Monsoon (July to September): The
monsoon

means these are seasonal winds,

which blow during summer and winter.
India. They
which enter the country after crossing
Pakistan receives the tail end of the monsoon winds which takes
Most of rainfall
continue to early September.
usually reach Pakistan in early July and sometimes occur in northern
side 'Bay of Bengal' and heavy. rain
places by this source. These winds come from east
most of moisture
areas of Pakistan e.g. Murree. So the amount of rain
decreases towards south and because
is robbed due long journey. This system is called Primary Monsoon System.
When monsoon winds come from 'Arabian Sea' and heavy rain occur
in Karachi and its adjacent a reas by
this source then this system is called Secondary Monsoon System.
Factors (For the Development of Rain by Monsoon)
1. Strong heating of land.
2. Low pressure created.
3. Rising air (warm).
4. Space created / gap.
5. High pressure created over Bay of Bengal/ Arabian Sea.
6. Winds blow from high pressure to low pressure and bring moisture.
7. Condensation takes place.
8. Clouds form at higher altitude
9. Rain occur.

nlafriatina Dou y

aall uty

25

Study the map Fig.5, which shows the main monsoon wind and the rainfall distribution from July to
September.

Q. Describe the rainfall distribution shown in Fig.5.

Ans. Lowest / less than 25 mm in West Balochistan and extreme NW.
Large areas/ Lower Indus Plain less than 125 mm.
Most of Balochistan less than 125 mm.
Decreasing towards NW and SW/ increasing towards SE and NE.
Highest in NE Punjob / Murree area/over 500 mm.

Q. Describe the route of the main monsoon across Pakistan.

Ans. East to West/from NE/from Eost.
From Bay of Bengal/Northern India.
Towards the Northern areas/Mountains.
Across Punjab /upper Indus Plain.
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the monsoon in
in amounts of rainfall caused by
Q. Explain why there are differences
different areas of Pakistan.
Ans. Depends on moisture content/humidity.
Pakistan receives tail end of the
monsoon.

More roin as it rises over hills. with reason e.g. globalwarming,

ozone
Rain shodoweffect lee slopes. Climate change
on
clouds coused by cooling
of rising air.
layer. Condensation /
that is shown develops.
Q Explain why the monsoon wind
Ans. 1. Strong heating of land.
2. Low pressure created.
3. Rising air (warm).
4. Space created/ gop. Arabian Sea.
5. High pressure created over Bay of Bengal
/
and bring moisture
6. Winds blow from high pressure to low pressure
7. Condensation takes ploce.
8. Clouds form at higher altitude
9. Rain occur.
winds.
Q. Explain how the rainfall caused by the monsoon
Ans. Winds from N India forced to rise by mountains.

Winds fromArabian Sea/Secondaries rise over SE Sindh

Wind has lost moisture over India and Bangladesh / tail end, so less rain in Pakistan
than India.
Balochiston remote from monsoon winds so less rain
High mountains in NE increase rainfall.
Plains have less rain than mountains.
Q. What are the benefits and problems for farmers in the area of Lahore which result from the
rainfall?
Ans. Bencfits
Some rain in all months/ throughout year.
Enough without irrigation /for barani farming.
Monsoon rain for Kharif crops.
Depression and convectional for Rabi crops.
Problems
Uneven distribution.
Too much in July August/ too little in
-

Flooding in wet season.

October /November.
Lack of sunshine for ripening
crops.
High evapo-transpiration in April June.-

Heavy rain damages cereals, cotton.

Pests, Diseases, virus in wet season.
Heavy rain ineffective/does not soak in.
The Western Depression (December to
travel March): The western
Afghanistan then
across reach the western depression originates in the
the winter season. areas of
Pakistan. Quetta receives Mediterranean Sea,
most of its rainfall during
Factors (For the Development of Rain by Western
1.
Temperature increases in winter season. Depression)
2. Comparative low
pressure beyond the Mediterranean
3. Come from Sea.
Mediterranean Sea.
4. Enter Pakistan through
5. Bring moisture.
Afghanistan.
6. Condensation takes place.
7. Clouds formon higher altitude
8. Rain occur.
 93

What are the advantages and disadvantages of winter rainfall in Northern Pakistan?
Ans. Advantages
Fills reservoirs/ rivers/ more storage.
Woter for irrigation.
Water for HEP.
Water for barani crops.
Water for winter crops /fruit trees.
Lighterform of rain- can soak in.
Snow for tourism.
Disadvantages
May fall as snow.
Rivers/lakes frozen.
Temperature too cold for growth.
Damage to environment - landslides, mudslides, floods etc.
Damage to roads - blockage, slippery etc.

ilt collects in reservoirs /dams.

Difficulties meaning farmers must do transhumance/ nomadism.
Convectional Currents/(April-June and Oct -Nov)
At the start of summer, hot air rises up which also contains a high moisture content. When it reaches the
higher layers of the atmosphere, condensation takes place. This causes rainfall, often as thunderstorms.
Strong winds accompanying the storms may pick up dust as well.
Only the northern and north-western areas of Pakistan receives rainfall from this source. Southern Pakistan
is deprived of convectional rainfall due to a temperature inversion layer. Temperature Inversion Layer (On
clear winter nights the temperature increases with the altitude) does not allow condensation to take place
at the height of 1600 m due Criss-Cross system of winds. As a result warm air descends and no rainfall
OCCurs. That is why Karachi and adjoining areas do not receive rainfall by this source.
Factors (For the Development of Rain by Convection currents/Thunderstorm)
Strong heating of land.
Low pressure created
Rising air (warm).
Space created / gap.
Winds blow from high pressure to low pressure.
Moisture evaporated from rivers/lakes.
Air cooled as it rises.
Condensation takes place.
Clouds (Cumulonimbus) form at higheraltitude.
Strong winds blow.
Lightning and thundering.
Rain occur.

1600 m

Criss-cross system of
Warm air Warm winds does not
comes down allow condensation to
take place

Warm air rising up

Aand mesa hee dng sutn

Temperature Inversion layer to the south of Pakistan does not allow convectional
rafnfal to take place despite hiph temperatures.

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height of land. It occurs where moist unstableair

rainfall is related to the
Relief Rainfall/Orographic:Relief is chilled. This chilling causes heavy condensation and precipitation
or scarp edge and it
moves up a mountain receive sinking, warming air and a dry 'rain shadow are
on the windward side.
The leeward slopes tend to
may lie leeward
of the barrier.

Dry
rain-shadow
RELIEF RAIN
Condensation level
area

Windward
SidE
Seward side
Air warms
Relief
rain

Relief rainfall is experienced in most of the high altitude areas of Pakistan except
for the rainshadowareas like Glgit where annual rainfal is not more than 120 mm

Tropical Cyclone: When the wind is spirally moving in towards the low pressure called cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a severe storm which takes place largely in South Asia, South East Asia, Northerm
Australia, South America and the South-Eastern part of North America. In South Asia, it is referred to as the
Cyclone, in South-East Asia as the Typhoon, in Australia as the Willy-Willy and in America as the Hurricane.
Cyclones in Pakistan
In Pakistan, cyclones originate in the Arabian Sea, gradually moving towards the land. Very often, they
die out before reaching the coast. Sometimes they attack the coast and cause damage with violent winds,
high ocean waves and cyclone surge.
Tropical cyclones occur either in the Pre-monsoon season from May to June or in the Post-Monsoon season
in September and October. The life of a tropical cyclone is seven to ten days. In 90s Pakistan has been struck
by tropical cyclones.
Natural/ PhysicalConditions (Occurring of cyclone)
1. Low pressure created in Sea /Ocean.
2. High winds blow.
3. High waves produced.
4. Heavy rainfall.
5. Floods.
6. Thunderstorm/Thundering/Lightening
7. Damage.

What effects do these storms have on the economy and lives of the people who live in the coastal

area?
Strong/violent winds
Floods.
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all neoole. Kill livestock. Ruin crops. Couse Jomine Joo0 Snortoge. Destroy homes /factories. Destrov bridaed
faferruot communication. Interrupt services / utties/ electricity Supplies /water supplies. Disrupts fishing
ofproperty. Danger of diseases. Poverty/ loss of income / loss of taxes. Loss
Storm: A very bad weather with strong wind, precipitation and sometimes with lighting and thunderino
Dust Storm:A storm in which dense masses of dust are carried by the winds.
Dust storms are most common in Sindh, particularly in the desert areas. Dust storms
are usually
in summer season in May and June. In the absence of moisture, dust is experienced
wipped up to form dust storm. Dust
is created by intense heating of desert. Areas where an intense low
pressure develops temporarily. This low
pressure attract winds from nearby region. These strong winds pickup dust, sand and dust storm is
About 15 to 20 dust storms take created.
place every year.
Photograph of Dust Storm.

Flood: The excessive water in rivers which over flow the banks or not called flood.
Flash Flood: Sudden flood which disappears quickly called flash flood.
Causes of Flood: There are two causes of flood which are as follows.
Natural
i. Melting of snow.
ii. Heavy rain by monsoon.
Human
i. Cutting of the trees on the foothills increases surface
run-off.
ii. Weak embankment.
ii. Less storing capacity (water) of dams.
Advantages of Flood
1. Floods return nutrients to the land.
2. Floods refresh the streams.
3. Floods spread a layer of alluvium which increases the
fertility of the land.
4. Store maximum water in dams.
5. Rise water level.
6. Promotes inland fishing industry.

Effects of Flood/Problems
1. Destruction of crops.
2: Loss of food supply.
3. Mud houses and huts could be severely damaged.
4. Danger of diseases.
5. Interrupt communication/ roads/ railway.
6. Kill livestock.
7. Little/ no supply of raw material to industries.
8. Destroy bridges.
9. Interrupts services/ utilities/ electricity supplies.
Measures (To reduce the flood risk)
1. Planting trees on the foothills to check the flow of
running water
2. Enlarging the river channel so that it can be hold more
water.
3. Building embankments on either side of the river to prevent the spread of water.
4. Building reservoirs on the river to store water and control peak discharge.
5. Preventing building in areas where flooding is most ikely
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and Newspapers.
6. Publicizing flood warnings through Radio, Television
facilities for rehabilitation in flooded areas.
7. Providing necessary
Drought: Extreme dryness due to lack of rain.it is alimost tound in desertsareas like Cholistan and Tharnsu.
Causes of Drought: There are two factors which causes the drought in Pakistan. rkar
Natural Factors
1. Unreliability of monsoon.
2. Dry and hot dusty winds can reduce the moisture content.
HumanFactors
1. Deforestation.
2. Unfair distribution of water between Punjab and Sindh Province.
3.Overgrazing of land by goat and sheep.
4. Global Warming.
Effects.of Drought.on the Physical Environment
Desertification: The processes of turning the land into a desert.
Exposed soil leading to soil erosion, dust storms.
Extension of desert areas, rise in temperature,
Loss of vegetation.

Drying up of Rivers,
Harm to fisheries and other aquatic life, growth of
Lakes and Streams:
Algae in shallow water bodies, unsafe drinking
Water
Drop in water table:
Less water available to plants and humans from
from ground sources.

Effects of Drought on the Human Environment

Population:
Widespread famine, Migration from affected areas,
Health problem, Loss of lives,
Break-up of rural social
Set-up, Nomadic life.
Economy: Crop failure, Death of livestock,
to industries, reduced
Shortage of raw material
exports and increased imports.
Strategies to reduce negative impacts of Drought
1. People are settled in
temporary refugee camps especially sick.
2. Supplied of food by charities
and international relief
3. Water storage schemes agencies.
of trees.
(construction of Dams and tanks) Irrigation canals to
grow crops, planting
4. Use of new
technology (Desalination of sea water, Reclaiming waste
clean water, using drought resistant varieties water and
turning into
of crops).
5. Lining the canals.

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