Karachiites get momentary respite from sweltering heat

Temperatures cooled on Monday after unexpected rainfall, windstorms in several areas

KARACHI: The sun-scorched on Karachi for the third consecutive day on Monday. Sea winds remained suspended and high levels of humidity prevailed in the city during the day with the maximum temperature recorded at 38 degree Celsius. Some respite came in the afternoon when various areas of the city were hit with brief spells of heavy to moderate showers.

Unexpected rainfall and windstorms hit several areas including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Nipa Chowrangi, North Karachi and Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Gulistan-e-Jauhar received the most amount of rainfall with 20.2 millimetres of rain recorded. Several areas also witnessed strong winds before rainfall. Karachi Airport witnessed 15.2 millimetres of rainfall, Pehelwan Goth 11.5 millimetres, North Karachi 4.8 millimetres, Surjani Town 2.2 millimetres and Nazimabad, PAF Faisal Base and Landhi experienced one millimetre of rainfall.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz said that the unexpected rainfall was a result of the intense heat. However, he claimed that the rainfall experienced on Monday was not related to the low pressure system in the Arabian Sea.

"The rains were purely a result of the local weather situation," he maintained.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the heatwave, which began from September 21, will continue until Tuesday (today). However, a low-pressure system is also expected to develop in the area surrounding Indian Gujrat between September 26 and 29 which may suspend winds blowing from the sea.

Further, mild to moderate rainfall has been predicted for September 25. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2019.