City receives light to moderate rainfall

As an effect of Cyclone Biparjoy, Karachi experienced light to moderate rainfall in various areas on Thursday, with the maximum temperature recorded at 34.8 degrees Celsius.

According to data released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the Quaidabad area received the highest rainfall at 5 millimetres (mm), followed by Jinnah Terminal at 4.4 mm, University Road at 4.2 mm, Old Airport at 4 mm, Gulshan-e-Hadeed and Saadi Town at 3 mm, and Gulshan-e-Maymar at 0.6 mm.

After the rainfall, the weather in the city became considerably pleasant, providing relief from the scorching heatwave, while the air remained humid with 85% humidity.

Looking ahead, the PMD warns of potential widespread wind, thunderstorms, and heavy rain with strong winds in the districts of Thatta, Sajawal, Badin, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, and Umarkot on June 17, with gusts reaching speeds of 100 to 140 kilometres per hour (km/h) anticipated.

Meanwhile, heavy rain and gusty winds, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected in the districts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tindo Alahyar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar, with wind speeds in these areas potentially reaching 60 to 80 km/h.

In Balochistan, the districts of Hub, Lasbela, and Khuzdar may experience heavy rain accompanied by dust and thunderstorms.

Moreover, citizens are cautioned about the potential for fragile or dilapidated properties to be damaged by the strong winds.

Coastal areas, particularly Keti Bandar and its neighbouring regions, may be hit by waves ranging from 10 to 13 feet, resulting in flooding in low-lying areas.

The severe inundation of the sea could lead to waves of two to two and a half metres affecting the coastal belt of Sindh, while the coastal belt of Balochistan [Sonmiani, Kund Malir, Ormara, and adjacent areas] may experience waves up to two metres high. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the open sea until June 17.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2023.