Factors (Affecting the Temperature of Pakistan)
1. Latitudinal Effect:
Pakistan’s climate is significantly influenced by its latitudinal position, which lies between 24°N and 37°N.
This range places the country in the subtropical zone, where the sun’s rays are not as direct as at the
equator but still strong enough to create hot summers and mild to cold winters, depending on the region.
The southern parts of Pakistan, such as Karachi and coastal Sindh, are located closer to the Tropic of Cancer
and experience high temperatures and minimal seasonal variation, characterized by a generally arid and
semi-arid climate. In contrast, the northern regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan and northern KPK, are
farther from the equator and situated at higher altitudes, resulting in cooler temperatures and more
pronounced seasonal changes, including snowfall in winter.
2. Continental Effect:
Pakistan is largely a continental country, with most of its landmass situated away from the moderating
influence of the Arabian Sea. This results in extreme temperature variations between summer and winter,
especially in inland areas like Punjab, Sindh (excluding coastal Karachi), Balochistan, and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. During summer, these regions experience intense heat, with temperatures often exceeding
45°C, while winters can be cold and dry, particularly in northern and western [Link] coastal areas,
which benefit from the moderating influence of sea breezes, inland regions heat up and cool down more
rapidly due to the absence of moisture.
3. Altitude and Temperature:
As altitude increases, temperature decreases. This is known as the lapse rate, which averages about
6.5°C per 1,000 meters of elevation gain in the troposphere (the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere). The
reason for this is that the atmosphere becomes thinner and less able to retain heat at higher elevations.
Karachi (near sea level): Hot and humid climate, especially in summer.
Lahore and Islamabad (moderate elevation): Hot summers, cooler winters.
Murree (~2,300 meters): Pleasant summers, cold winters with snowfall.
Skardu and Hunza (above 2,500 meters): Cold climate year-round, with harsh winters.
4. Cloud cover and Temperature.
During the Day Clouds reflect sunlight back into space. This reduces the amount of solar radiation
reaching the Earth's surface. As a result, daytime temperatures are cooler when cloud cover is present.
During the Night, Clouds act like a blanket, trapping heat radiated from the Earth's surface. This prevents
rapid cooling. So, nighttime temperatures are warmer under cloudy skies compared to clear skies.
Monsoon Season (July–September):
Increased cloud cover in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Leads to cooler days and warmer nights.
Winter Season:
Western disturbances bring cloud cover to northern and western Pakistan.
Can cause warmer nights and cooler days, especially in hilly areas.
Clear Skies in Balochistan and Interior Sindh: Result in hot days and cold nights, due to a lack of cloud
insulation.
5. Latitude and the angle of the Sun:
Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.
The angle of the Sun’s rays hitting the Earth becomes lower as you move away from the equator.
At the equator (0° latitude), the Sun’s rays strike the Earth more directly (at a higher angle),
resulting in more intense heat.
At higher latitudes, the Sun’s rays hit the Earth at a slanted angle, spreading over a larger area
and passing through more atmosphere, which reduces their intensity.
Southern Pakistan (e.g., Karachi, Hyderabad):
Closer to the equator.
Receives more direct sunlight.
Experiences hotter temperatures and less seasonal variation.
Northern Pakistan (e.g., Murree, Gilgit):
Farther from the equator.
Receives less direct sunlight.
Has cooler temperatures and more distinct seasons.
The angle of the Sun affects day length, seasonal changes, and energy received at different times of the
year. During summer, the Sun is higher in the sky, especially in northern latitudes, leading to longer days
and warmer temperatures. In winter, the Sun is lower, resulting in shorter days and cooler
temperatures.
Rainfall Pattern
Source of Time and
Distribution Effectiveness
Rainfall Season
April to June Thunderstorms bring strong winds,
60 - 80 km per hour, may contain
(Early
Extreme North and dust.
Summer)
Convectional North-Western Stormy rainfall and hail occurs.
Rainfall Pakistan Destruction of crops and orchids.
Punjab and KPK High intensity of windstorms badly
(Thunderstorms) September to
Southern areas are affects roof of houses.
October
deprived of it Electricity and communication
(Post systems are disturbed.
Monsoon) Billboards fall.
Rainfall is variable in amount (less
or more), timing (early or late) and
Northern Regions
distribution (some areas will receive
Central/ Eastern
July to rainfall while others will not).
regions - Upper Indus
September Rainfall is in heavy showers and
Plain/ Punjab
Monsoon land does not absorbs rainwater -
Few areas of KPK -
may lead to flooding in low lying
Sindh/ Coastal areas
Late Summer areas.
of Sindh
Not useful for crops.
Thar desert
High temperature on land leads to
higher evapotranspiration.
Comes in light showers for several
Northern-Western
days.
Pakistan/ KPK/ Mid-December
Barani farming in Potwar Plateau
Peshawar to March
Western where irrigation is not possible
South-West
Depression - depends on it.
Pakistan/
Amount of rainfall not sufficient and
Balochistan/ Quetta Winter
little to no rainfall as it reaches
Kharan desert
Balochistan.
High altitude regions of
Northern and North-
Most of the Attracts tourists and supplies waters for
Relief Rainfall Western Pakistan
‘except’ rainshadow
seasons HEP generation.
areas like Gilgit
Destructive winds bent trees/
electric poles, phone lines.
High sea waves damage houses
Originate few times a
Rainfall once nearby.
Tropical year over Arabian Sea
over every few Heavy rainfall may cause flooding in
Cyclones but rarely reach the
years coastal areas and destruction to
coastal belt of Pakistan
crops.
Reduces visibility due to strong
dusty winds.
Impact of Extreme Climatic Conditions
Rainstorms and Floods Droughts
Natural Causes:
Natural Causes:
1. High temperature during summers causes the
melting of snowcaps. The volume of water 1. High temperatures during summer lead to
increases in river channels and overflows to the increased evaporation from rivers, lakes, and soil,
nearby areas. reducing water availability and causing drought.
2. High temperature during summers causes a low- 2. The reduced rainfall due to climate changes
pressure zone on land that attracts winds from results in prolonged dry spells, limiting water
high-pressure over the sea causing heavy rainfall. supply in reservoirs and rivers.
Human Causes:
Human Causes:
1. Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture
1. Cutting of trees on the foothills of the mountains
and domestic use lowers the water table, making it
causes roots to lose the capacity to hold soil
difficult to continue farming, contributing to
together. The water gushes down the mountains
drought conditions.
increasing surface run-off causing floods.
2. Deforestation or overgrazing by livestock,
2. The increased surface run-off causes soil erosion
reduces the amount of vegetation that helps to
as silt and sand is washed away. The eroded soil is
hold moisture in the soil. This leads to soil erosion
accumulated in dams and reservoirs (siltation), that
and drier landscapes that reduces soil fertility.
reduces the capacity to store water.
Impact on agriculture:
1. Flooding can destroy crops by sinking fields for Impact on natural environment:
extended periods of time. This leads to crop failure 1. Desertification: Prolonged drought conditions
and loss of agricultural land causing food crisis. This degrade soil quality, as the lack of moisture limits
will require food to be imported to meet the needs plant growth and causes soil erosion and dust
of the population. This burdens the economy of the storms. This leads to farmlands turning into
country. Farmers cannot grow and sold crops. This deserts.
leads to loss of job and earning, increasing poverty.
2. The rivers and lakes dry up which can be harming
2. Livestock (cows/ buffaloes) may be displaced or for aquatic life. The growth of algae in shallow
lost during floods. This severely affecting farmers water bodies make drinking water unsafe.
who rely on livestock farming or use them for
agricultural draft power (ploughing) or irrigation
(Persian wheel) purposes. Impact on human environment:
1. Drought leads to water shortages, reducing
Impact on industries and communication: irrigation availability and causing crops to yield
less. This can result in food shortages and
1. Damaged industries may lead to people losing economic losses for farmers. Families may start
their jobs. Production is halted due to a power migration from affected areas.
supply cut-off. Manufactured goods have more
value than raw materials. This leads to economic 2. Livestock suffer from water scarcity, leading to
losses as production will not meet the deadline. malnutrition, disease, and death, affecting
livestock-based farming.
2. Floodwaters can destroy transport routes such
as roads, bridges, and railways, impacting the 3. The shortage of raw materials for industries
transportation of goods. Damaged limits production. This reduced the export capacity
telecommunication networks can cause and increase dependence on imports.
communication breakdowns, hindering business
activities, emergency response, and coordination.