United Nations Warns of Unseasonably High Temperatures in Afghanistan

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has announced that Afghanistan will experience unusually high temperatures from February 16 to 22, with temperatures in southern provinces expected to exceed 20 degrees Celsius on some days.

Isteqamat Press – the agency said Tuesday, February 17, in a post on X that the simultaneous rise in temperatures and heavy rainfall in western and southern regions significantly increases the likelihood of sudden localized flash floods.

FAO added that in the northern and central plateau regions of the country, below-average precipitation combined with increased evaporation and evapotranspiration will pose serious challenges to agricultural crops’ access to soil moisture.

While warmer temperatures may reduce the risk of frost damage to crops and rangelands and could offer some protection, rapid snowmelt may significantly diminish soil moisture reserves needed for the continuation of the growing season.

According to FAO, rainfall levels in the western and southern parts of the country are expected to remain near or even above normal during the current week, while northern and central regions will remain drier than usual.

Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Afghanistan is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. United Nations agencies have previously warned about the impact of this phenomenon on food security and livelihoods across the country.