The Nara Desert is an extension of theGreat Indian Desert situated in theSindh province ofPakistan. Nara is the northeastern part of theThar Desert of Sindh. It primarily occupies theKhairpur district and a few parts ofSanghar District.[1] It covers an area of approximately 23,000 km2 and is composed of sandy hills, steep slopes, and extensive low-lying regions, referred to locally as "Patt (پَٽ)".[2]
Nara is a sandy desert characterized byhot arid tosemiarid conditions having average minimum and maximum temperatures of 20°C and 45°C, respectively. The hottest months occur between May and July, with temperatures ranging from 47° to 51°C. The lowest temperature, recorded at 20°–28°C, is typically observed in January. The Nara Desert is characterized byaridity, and wet and dry years tend to occur in clusters. The mean annual rainfall varies from 88 to 135 mm, with the majority received during themonsoon period (mid-July to the end of August). Wintershowers, of low intensity, take place from December through March.Water scarcity is a prominent feature of the Nara Desert, with limited water supplies constrainingagricultural activities.Groundwater resources are also restricted, typically found at depths of 50–300 feet from the surface. The primary source of water for both humans andlivestock is derived from dugout/naturalponds that storerainwater during the monsoon season.[3]