Weather update: Heavy rains forecast for first day of Eid

The second monsoon spell is likely to enter Sindh on August 9

KARACHI: The city is likely to receive heavy rains on the first day of Eid-ul-Azha. It will also experience drizzling and cloudy weather on the second and third days of Eid, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

On Wednesday, PMD Chief Sardar Sarfaraz said that starting on Friday night, the second spell of monsoon rains will continue till Monday evening. He said that the extremely low pressure has developed in the Bay of Bengal and Eastern parts of India. The monsoon system will enter Pakistan on August 9 through the eastern belt of Sindh before crossing Indian states - Rajasthan, Gujrat and Central India. The Met Office has predicted that various parts of lower Sindh will receive heavy rainfall on August 9.

Sarfaraz said that the province will receive moderate rains if the system turns south-west. Heavy rains are forecast if the system does not turn its direction.

According to the Met Office, the city will remain completely or partially cloudy on Thursday (today). Light rain and drizzle are also expected.

High alert

After the Met office's warning, the provincial government has directed all relevant departments to remain alert during the heavy rainfall in the city. It has also directed the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, District Municipal Corporations, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Cantonment Boards, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Sindh Building Control Authority and all other departments to be vigilant and take appropriate measures ahead of rains. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2019.