TEHRAN – An average of 15.8 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the country in the week ended on February 16, showing an increase of 85 percent compared to the average long-term rainfall of 8.5 mm, according to the Meteorological Organization.

Meanwhile, an average of 32.3 mm of rainfall has been recorded over the month ending February 16, showing a 3.9 percent decrease in comparison to the long-term 33.6 mm rainfall.

From the beginning of the current year (March 21, 2023) to February 16, the country’s precipitation has totaled 76.7 mm, indicating a 38.7 percent decrease from the long-term amount of 125 mm.

According to reports, there are just four provinces that have received more than normal rainfall during this period. West Azarbaijan has received an average of 156.9 mm rainfall, which is about 5.9 mm more than the long-term figure of 151 mm.

North Khorasan has received a total of 105 mm of rainfall. Compared to the long-term, which is 103 mm, the province has experienced an increase of 1.9 mm in rainfall.

Within this period, the average rainfall in Golestan province has been 220.3 mm, an increase of 2.8 mm compared to the long-term amount of 217.5 mm.

However, the province of Kohgiluyeh-Boyerahmad has recorded the lowest rainfall (311 mm) compared to the average long-term figure (467.8 mm).

Disrupting rainfall

Climate change rather than regional factors is responsible for disrupting rainfall patterns in the country, Darioush Gol-Alizadeh, head of the national center for weather and climate change affiliated with the Department of Environment, has said.

He made the remarks on Wednesday in the first scientific seminar on the role of probable factors in lowering the volume of rainfalls in the country.

“Climate change and air pollution are closely interlinked. Air pollution can lead to an increase in greenhouse gases on a macro level, as in the first half of the year, we are often dealing with sand and dust storms,” he added.

In December 2023, the Department of Environment (DOE) asked its subsidiaries to carry out a detailed study on climate change and its causes due to the decrease in annual precipitation, particularly this year.

Despite the Meteorological Organization’s forecasts that there would be adequate autumn rainfall, the amount of rainfall reported has been very low, IRNA reported.

Ali Salajeqeh, head of DOE, asked the Office for Marine Environment and Wetlands, the National Climate Change Research Center, and the Environmental Research Institute to cooperate and investigate the causes of low rainfall this year.

Climate change

In recent years, the issue of climate change has even become one of the major political issues of the world so the United Nations and many other governments have gotten involved in this issue.

On the other hand, there has been a noticeable decrease in the amount of snowfall in the country and a change in the pattern of precipitation from snow to rain can be seen. But the total amount of rainfall has decreased as well.

Climate change has already inserted many harmful effects on our country, and if we do not take steps to adapt ourselves to the consequences of this phenomenon and observe environmental principles, in the future, more dangerous consequences will surely plague Iran and make the conditions more unfavorable for human, animal, and plant species.

MT/MG