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Climate of Islamabad

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The climate of Islamabad has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classifion, with five seasons: Winter (Nov−Feb), Spring (March−April), Summer (May−June), Rainy Monsoon (July−August) and Autumn (September−October). The hottest month is June, where average highs routinely exceed 38 °C (100.4 °F). The wettest month is July, with heavy rainfall and evening thunderstorms with the possibility of cloudburst. The coolest month is January, with temperatures variable by location. In Islamabad, temperatures vary from cold to mild, routinely dropping below zero. In the hills there is sparse snowfall. The weather ranges from a minimum of −3.9 °C (25.0 °F) in January to a maximum of 46.1 °C (115.0 °F) in June.[1] The average low is 2 °C (35.6 °F) in January, while the average high is 38.1 °C (100.6 °F) in June.[2] The highest temperature recorded was 46.5 °C (115.7 °F) in June, while the lowest temperature was −4 °C (24.8 °F) in January.[3] On 23 July 2001, Islamabad received a record breaking 620 millimetres (24 in) of rain fell in just 10 hours. It was the heaviest rainfall in 24 hours in Islamabad and at any locality in Pakistan during the past 100 years.[4][5][6] Following is the weather observed over Islamabad Airport, which is actually located in Rawalpindi.

Climate data for Islamabad (1991-2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 25.0
(77.0) 		30.0
(86.0) 		37.0
(98.6) 		44.0
(111.2) 		45.6
(114.1) 		48.6
(119.5) 		45.0
(113.0) 		42.0
(107.6) 		38.1
(100.6) 		38.0
(100.4) 		32.2
(90.0) 		28.3
(82.9) 		48.6
(119.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 17.7
(63.9) 		20.0
(68.0) 		24.8
(76.6) 		30.6
(87.1) 		36.1
(97.0) 		38.3
(100.9) 		35.4
(95.7) 		33.9
(93.0) 		33.4
(92.1) 		30.9
(87.6) 		25.4
(77.7) 		20.4
(68.7) 		28.9
(84.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) 10.7
(51.3) 		13.4
(56.1) 		18.1
(64.6) 		23.6
(74.5) 		28.7
(83.7) 		31.4
(88.5) 		30.1
(86.2) 		29.1
(84.4) 		27.6
(81.7) 		23.3
(73.9) 		17.3
(63.1) 		12.5
(54.5) 		22.2
(71.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2.2
(36.0) 		6.8
(44.2) 		11.4
(52.5) 		16.6
(61.9) 		21.5
(70.7) 		24.5
(76.1) 		24.9
(76.8) 		24.2
(75.6) 		21.7
(71.1) 		15.6
(60.1) 		9.1
(48.4) 		3.4
(38.1) 		15.2
(59.3)
Record low °C (°F) −10
(14) 		−8
(18) 		−4.5
(23.9) 		1.6
(34.9) 		5.5
(41.9) 		13
(55) 		15.2
(59.4) 		14.5
(58.1) 		13.3
(55.9) 		5.7
(42.3) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		−2.8
(27.0) 		−6.0
(21.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 55.2
(2.17) 		99.5
(3.92) 		180.5
(7.11) 		120.8
(4.76) 		39.9
(1.57) 		78.4
(3.09) 		310.6
(12.23) 		317.0
(12.48) 		135.4
(5.33) 		34.4
(1.35) 		17.7
(0.70) 		25.9
(1.02) 		1,415.3
(55.73)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 4.7 8 9 9 5.2 6.0 12.3 11.9 6.4 2.9 2.0 2.0 79.4
Mean monthly sunshine hours 195.7 187.1 202.3 252.4 319.0 300.1 264.4 250.7 262.2 275.5 247.9 195 2,952.3
Source 1: NOAA (sun, 1961-1990)[7][8]
Source 2: PMD (extremes)[9]

Factors

The monsoon and the Western Disturbance are the two main factors that change the weather over Islamabad; otherwise, Continental air prevails for rest of the season. Following are the main factors that influence the weather over Islamabad.

  • Western Disturbances occur almost every month in the city, but peaking during the winter months and causes moderate to heavy rainfall, temperature also decreases due to it. These westerly waves are robbed of most of the moisture by the time they reach Islamabad.
  • Fog do occur during the winter season and remains for weeks; especially near Margalla Hills.
  • Dust storm occur during summer months with peak in May and June. These dust storm are quite violent.
  • Southwest Monsoon occurs in summer from the month of June till September. These monsoon rains are quite heavy by nature and can cause severe flooding if they interact with westerly waves.
  • Continental air prevails during the period when there is no precipitation in the city.

Monthly weather conditions

The following is the monthly summary of the climatic conditions in Islamabad.[10]

January

Winter season in Islamabad

January is the coldest month of Islamabad. In January the weather of Islamabad is mild. Rains in this month is heavy like in other season of the city. There have been rare instances of snowfall.[11] Western Disturbance has a great influence in the winter of the city. it produces rains and sometimes hailstorms. The highest temperature is 30.1 °C (86.2 °F) (1995) and lowest temperature is −3.9 °C (25.0 °F) (1967). While the heaviest rainfall for this month is 166.7 millimetres (6.56 in) (1954).

February

Winters last month, The weather of Islamabad in February is similar to that of January. The weather remains mild. Western Disturbance cause rains just like in January. The highest temperature ever recorded was 30 °C (86 °F) (1985) and lowest temperature is −2 °C (28 °F). While the highest rainfall is 290 millimetres (11 in) (2013).

March

Spring starts and In this month the weather starts to settle, In March the weather turns warmer making it very pleasant. Average relative humidity in this month is about 37%. Again Western Disturbance has an effect on the weather, producing rain and hail. It causes rains with strong winds. Western Disturbance has no timing, it affects the upper and northern parts of Pakistan including Islamabad in every month and season. In this scenario Islamabad can receive heavy showers and rains in every month including March. The highest temperature is 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) and the lowest is 0 °C (32 °F). The highest rainfall for March is 224.1 millimetres (8.82 in) (1984).

April

Another Spring month with pleasant temperatures. The weather pattern of Islamabad in April is identical to that of March. The weather at few times gets hot in this month, the highest temperature recorded was 40.6 °C (105.1 °F) (2006) and lowest temperature is 5 °C (41 °F) (1994). Humidity remains low in this month about 24%. While the highest rainfall is 264.5 millimetres (10.41 in) (1983).

May

Start of Summers, In May the weather gets very hot in the city. The highest temperature is 45.6 °C (114.1 °F) (1988) and lowest is 10.0 °C (50.0 °F) (1997). Humidity gets extremely low in May as compared to other month, which is of 19%. Evening thunderstorms can occur in this month accompanied by dust storms that give the citizens of Islamabad much awaited relief from the scorching heat. The highest rainfall is 115.6 millimetres (4.55 in) (1965)

June

June is the hottest month of Islamabad. Temperatures in this month reach till 46.5 °C (115.7 °F) as recorded in 2005, While the lowest temperature is 15.7 °C (60.3 °F) (1979). Till the first week of June the weather is identical to May. But in the middle of June Pre-Monsoon showers can start that come from South west Monsoon. Again Western Disturbance too can cause heavy showers, which is not a part of monsoon. Dust storms are common in this month which are locally called as Andhi. The highest rainfall for the month of June is 255 millimetres (10.0 in) (2008). On June 23, 2010, a massive dust storm of 81 mph (130 km/h) hit the city followed by drizzle before the storm, temperatures peaked above 40 °C (104 °F) for four consecutive days.[12]

July

July is the start of Annual Monsoon season and the wettest month for Islamabad as well as for whole Pakistan that continues till September. In July Islamabad can see some very heavy falls of rain accompanied by Strong Thunderstorms and windstorms. These heavy Storms is due to the moisture coming from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal and sometimes if western disturbance interact with them then record rain can be seen. Humidity remains above 65%. The highest temperature in this month is 44.4 °C (111.9 °F) (1987) and lowest temperature is 17 °C (63 °F) (1966) and the highest rainfall for this month is 743.5 millimetres (29.27 in) (1995). The heaviest rain of the city was also recorded in this month when 620 millimetres (24 in) rain occurred in just 10 hours on July 23, 2001 the continuous downpour lasted from 0600 to 1600 PST.[4][5][6][13] In July 2008, a severe rainfall spell, that lasted from 4 to 9 July, produced a heavy rainfall of 162 millimetres (6.4 in) in 5 hours.[14] It was the heaviest short period rainfall in last six years reminding the cloud burst of July 23, 2001. While on July 30, 2010 heavy downpour of 257 millimetres (10.1 in) occurred that caused flash floods in the city.

August

Monsoon rains continue in August as well. The month of August is the most humid month for Islamabad. The highest temperature is 42 °C (108 °F) (1987) and the lowest temperature is 17 °C (63 °F) (1976). While the highest rainfall for this month is 645.5 millimetres (25.41 in) (1982). On August 9, 2011 a cloudburst in Islamabad that continued for three hours and yielded 176 millimetres (6.9 in) of rain, flooded main streets.[15]

September

End of summer in which, day temperatures remain a bit high. But evenings, nights and mornings are quite pleasant. Temperature starts to drop more in the night. And by the end of September, summer seems to have gone away. And Autumn starts to approach. It all depends on the rains. If there are much rains in September, weather will change quickly. If not, then the weather changes gradually. Monsoon rains continue till the mid-week of September, but they can be showers till the end of the month. After that monsoon completely withdraws from the city. Western disturbance cause showers or little drizzle in this month. The highest temperature is 38.1 °C (100.6 °F) (1982) and lowest is 13 °C (55 °F) (1994). The highest rains in this month is 279.1 millimetres (10.99 in) (1961).

October

The start of Autumn, with pleasant temperatures. Day temperature can be a bit high, which can cause discomfort in the sun, while travelling and sitting without a fan. But evenings, nights and mornings are very pleasant, which urge one to go for walks and for outings. October is the driest month in the city. There is drizzle in this month due to westerly wave. But sometimes, thunderstorms occur, which cause the temperature to drop more. In the mid of October the night temperature starts to drop at 16°C. The highest rainfall for this month is 95 millimetres (3.7 in) (1997). The highest temperature and lowest temperature is 36 °C (97 °F) (1998)and 5 °C (41 °F) (1984) respectively.

November

Another Autumn and start of Winter Month. The first to second weeks of November are Autumn days. But after that Cold wind start to enter the city. As winter starts by mid November. And temperature starts to drop a lot. Mornings can become a bit chilly. Warm clothes are pulled out to wear. Some afternoons of November are a bit warm, in which people still avoid direct sunlight. While at times people like to work and even stand in the sun. Showers or hailstorms occur in this month too. The highest rainfall for this month is 91 millimetres (3.6 in) (1959) and the highest and lowest temperature is 32 °C (90 °F) (1999) and 0 °C (32 °F) (1970) respectively.

December

In the month of December the winter finally sets in, while the coldest winter of the city is observed in January, weather becomes quite chilly in December too. Hot drinks, like tea and coffee with soups become common in the city. Fish is one of the most enjoyed dish of winter. Rainfall in December is expected by the people who live in the cities near Islamabad. Because they have sown the seed of wheat. Western Disturbance cause rain in this month. The highest rainfall for this month is 177.9 millimetres (7.00 in) (1990). The lowest temperature and highest temperature is −2.8 °C (27.0 °F) (1984) and 28 °C (82 °F) (1998) respectively.

Monsoon Rainfall of Islamabad

The average monsoon rainfall of Islamabad is 790.8 millimetres (31.13 in).[16] Monsoon season starts by the end of June and prevails till the end of September. In 2009, Islamabad saw below normal monsoon rainfalls due to the presence of El Niño over Pakistan.[17] It just recorded 354 millimetres (13.9 in) of rain during the Monsoon season in 2009.[16] The highest rainfall of 620 millimetres (24 in) was recorded in Islamabad during 24 hours on 23 July 2001. The record breaking rain fell in just 10 hours. It was the heaviest rainfall in Islamabad in the past 100 years.[18][19] The following is the Monsoon rainfall in Islamabad since 2006 based on the data from Pakistan Meteorological Department.[20]

  • In 2006, a total of 962 millimetres (37.9 in) rain was recorded.[20]
  • In 2007, a total of 1,117 millimetres (44.0 in) rain was recorded.[20]
  • In 2008, a total of 1,108 millimetres (43.6 in) rain was recorded.[21][22][23][24]
  • In 2009, a total of 354 millimetres (13.9 in) was recorded.[25][26][27][28]
  • In 2010, a total of 1,171 millimetres (46.1 in) was recorded.[29][30][31][32]
  • In 2011, a total of 1,716.2 millimetres (67.57 in) was recorded.[32][33]
  • In 2012, a total of 988.9 millimetres (38.93 in) was recorded.[34][35]
  • In 2013, a total of 1,762.3 millimetres (69.38 in) was recorded.[36]

Cloud Burst of July 23, 2001

On 23 July 2001, Islamabad experienced the record breaking 620 millimetres (24 in) of rainfall, which was the 24 hours heaviest rainfall in Islamabad and at any locality in Pakistan during the past 100 years.[4][5] Continuous downpour in lasted for about 10 hours from 0600-1600 PST in Islamabad,[4][5][6][13] caused the worst ever Flash Flood in the local stream called "Nulla Lai" and its tributaries, which swept away low-lying areas of the twin cities. The neighbor city, Rawalpindi also experienced 335 millimetres (13.2 in) of rain on the same day. According to the official figures, at least 10 people died, 800 houses were destroyed and 1069 houses were partially damaged in Islamabad.[37]

Pakistan Meteorological Departments in Islamabad

  • National seismic Monitoring and Tsunami Early warning Center, Islamabad (Backup Station)
  • Research & Development Islamabad.
  • Meteorological Forecasting Offices (mainly for Aviation purposes) Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad/Rawalpindi,
  • Remote sensing, Islamabad,
  • Drought, Environmental monitoring & early warning Center Islamabad,
  • Weather stations are located at Headquarters of PMD (Zero point), Saidpur Village, Golra Sharif, Bokra. However, the headquarters also control operations of the weather stations located in Rawalpindi; namely, Islamabad Airport (Chaklala), Shamasabad, and Qasim Airbase (Dhamial Camp)

See also

References

  1. ^ Islamabad (During 1931−2006)
  2. ^ Country Studies, Climate of Pakistan
  3. ^ "Average Conditions, Rawalpindi (Islamabad Airport), Pakistan". Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  4. ^ a b c d "Severe Storms on dated 23 July 2001 Islamabad, Pakistan" (PDF). Abdul Hameed, Director Pakistan Meteorological Department.
  5. ^ a b c d "Weather Log - July 21–31, 2001". National Climatic Data Center. August 6, 2001.
  6. ^ a b c http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/DPS/TC-DPFS-2002/Papers-Posters/Topic3-NaeemShah.pdf
  7. ^ "Islamabad Climate Normals 1961-1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  8. ^ "Islamabad Climate Normals 1991–2020". World Meteorological Organization Climatological Standard Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Extremes of Islamabad". Pakistan Meteorological Department. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  10. ^ http://pakistanweatherportal.com/2011/06/19/climate-of-islamabad-the-monthly-factors/
  11. ^ http://x.dawn.com/2013/02/05/met-predicts-snow-over-margalla-hills/
  12. ^ http://www.geo.tv/6-23-2010/67221.htm
  13. ^ a b http://www.meteo.fr/cic/wsn05/resumes_longs/8.02-12.pdf
  14. ^ http://www.pakmet.com.pk/rnd/rnd_files/vol6_issue12/4_Case%20Study%20Heavy%20Rainfall%20Event%20over%20Lai%20Nullah%20Catchment%20Area.pdf
  15. ^ http://awaztoday.com/singlenews/1/11679/Political-News/Rain-wreaks-havoc-in-Islamabad-cities-in-Punjab-and-KP.aspx
  16. ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-06-13. Retrieved 2012-01-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-15. Retrieved 2010-09-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ "Essl.org:Cloudburst in Islamabad" (PDF). Essl.org. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
  19. ^ "Ncdc.noaa.gov: Climate Extremes". Ncdc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
  20. ^ a b c http://www.pakmet.com.pk/
  21. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  23. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-09-06. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  24. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  25. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  26. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  27. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  28. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  29. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-07-29. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  30. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-08-20. Retrieved 2010-08-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  31. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-09-21. Retrieved 2010-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  32. ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-09-26. Retrieved 2011-01-18. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  33. ^ http://www.pakmet.com.pk/FFD/index_files/daily/rainfallsep1.htm. Retrieved 2011-10-07. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[dead link]
  34. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-07-19. Retrieved 2012-07-08. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  35. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-07-14. Retrieved 2012-07-08. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  36. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-06-16. Retrieved 2013-06-14. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  37. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2004-07-16. Retrieved 2014-06-22. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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