Rain expected in city

PMD forecasts moderate to heavy downpour in southern Sindh

KARACHI:

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday predicted thundershowers for most parts of Sindh, including Karachi, during the next 24 hours.

PMD issued thundershower forecast for Karachi, Hyderabad, Shahdadpur, Shaheed Benazirbad, Mithi, Tharparkar, Nangarparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Thatta, Badin, Sukkur, Dadu, and Sanghar.

However, hot and humid weather is forecast for other parts of the province.

Rain in desert

Meanwhile Daily Express correspondent from the Kunri town of Umerkot district in the Thar desert reported that thanks to a light to moderate rainfall, the relentless grip of the scorching heat has finally loosened, and the climate has transformed into a more enjoyable one.

According to reports, during the afternoon, an unexpected burst of thunder and lightning, accompanied by a gentle and refreshing rainfall, graced different cities in the district, including Umerkot, Kunri, Samaro, Pathoro, and others.

This sudden change in weather brought much-needed relief from the sweltering summer conditions. It is said that at this juncture, the crops were in dire need of moisture, and this rainfall promises a bountiful harvest.

Airport authorities put on alert

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued directives to ensure preparedness at Jinnah Airport in Karachi regarding the monsoon rains.

On Monday, in anticipation of thunder, lightning, rain, and strong winds in Karachi as per the forecast of PMD, the CAA has issued directives to ensure preparedness at Karachi airport.

Lightweight aircraft have been moved to secure locations, and in accordance with CAA instructions, sensitive equipment that could be at risk in the event of any collision in the runway and taxi areas at runways and tarmac has been relocated to safer locations.

As per safety protocol, airport authority will also carry out pesticide spray and deploy extra bird shooters to keep the birds away from the airplanes.

Field lighting, runway lights, and all electrical equipment in the vicinity will be ensured to function properly. Teams will be on standby at all times to determine the rubbing/braking action for safe operations during rainfall.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2023.