Gwadar, a port city in the Balochistan province of southwestern Pakistan, has a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), characterised by high temperatures, low precipitation, and significant aridity. The city is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea at an elevation ranging from 0 to 300 metres (0–984 ft) above sea level.
Temperature
The oceanic influence of the Arabian Sea moderates Gwadar's temperatures, keeping summers cooler and winters warmer than inland areas of Balochistan. The mean temperature in the hottest month, June, ranges between 31 °C (88 °F) and 32 °C (90 °F). The mean temperature in the coldest month, January, varies from 18 °C (64 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F). The uniformity of temperature is a distinctive characteristic of the Makran coastal region. The highest recorded temperature in Gwadar was 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) in June 1979, while the lowest recorded temperature was 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) in December 2003.
Precipitation
Gwadar receives very little rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 89.8 mm (3.54 in). Most rainfall occurs between December and January, brought by Western Disturbances. The city lies outside the main monsoon belt but may receive light monsoon showers in summer (June–August). The driest months are May and September, which typically see negligible precipitation. The highest 24-hour rainfall on record was 227 mm (8.9 in), recorded on 6 June 2010 during Cyclone Phet.
Climate Influences
Three main factors influence Gwadar's weather:
- Western Disturbances: These occur mainly during the winter months and bring moderate to heavy rainfall, with temperatures decreasing as a result.
- Shamal Winds: Dusty northwesterly winds that occur primarily during April and May, stronger in the morning than at night.
- Continental Air: Prevails during periods without precipitation.
Tropical Cyclones
Although Gwadar is located on the extreme western coast of Pakistan and cyclones rarely make direct landfall, the city has been affected by several tropical cyclones originating in the Arabian Sea. Notable cyclones include Cyclone Gonu (June 2007), Cyclone Yemyin (June 2007), and Cyclone Phet (June 2010), which brought record-breaking rainfall of 372 mm (14.6 in) over two days and windstorms of up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
Recent Extreme Weather
On 27–28 February 2024, Gwadar received 180 mm of rainfall over 30 hours, causing widespread flooding. The event damaged the Makran Coastal Highway, temporarily blocking traffic between Gwadar and Karachi.
