Scattered monsoon showers bring relief to Karachi

Some areas also experienced strong gusts of wind blowing at speeds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour

KARACHI:

The monsoon system that made its way into Sindh earlier this week provided much-needed relief to Karachi residents on Wednesday. The brief but refreshing showers brought respite from the scorching heat and turned the weather pleasant in the metropolis.

As the rainclouds gathered over Karachi, the highest recorded precipitation of 11mm was reported in the Keamari area. Additionally, some parts of the city experienced strong gusts of wind blowing at speeds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour. However, a few areas of Karachi received no precipitation and remained hot and humid throughout the day.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast for scattered showers on Thursday, expected to begin late in the afternoon and continue into the night. However, Friday is likely to see clear skies with a few passing clouds.

The monsoon system, initially moving from the Bay of Bengal towards the Arabian Sea, brought heavy downpours to southern Sindh, affecting regions from Tharparkar to Thatta and Badin from Monday to Wednesday. Karachi, situated on the coast, received comparatively lighter to moderate rainfall during this period.

Also read: PMD predicts rain, thunderstorm in Karachi from Monday

The onset of rain in Karachi began with Korangi, Quaidabad and Landhi, and later spread to various parts of the city, including Hawkes Bay, Maripur, Surjani Town, Keamari, Sher Shah, North Karachi, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and Saddar.

According to data released by the Met Office, the highest recorded rainfall was in Keamari at 11mm, followed by PF Base Masroor with approximately 9mm, Surjani Town with 8.2mm, Nazimabad with 5.6mm, PAF Base Faisal with 5mm, North Karachi with 4mm, University Road with 2.7mm, Old Airport with 2.4mm, Ibrahim Haideri with 2mm, and Quaidabad and Gulshan Hadid receiving 1mm of rainfall.

In contrast, the lowest recorded rainfall was in Saadi Town, with just 0.5mm.

While the monsoon showers were relatively brief, they brought a welcome change to Karachi's weather, offering relief to residents from the sweltering heat that has been prevailing in the city. As the meteorological department forecasts more rain for Thursday, Karachiites remain hopeful for further respite from the summer heat.