Karachi may heave sigh of relief

Weatherman says monsoon system originating from Arabian Sea has shifted westward

KARACHI:

The monsoon system originating from the Arabian Sea has shifted westward, diminishing the possibility of thunderstorms in the metropolitan city which has been bracing for heavy downpour since the start of this week. However, weatherman predicted that intermittent light rain and drizzle are expected throughout the week.

On Thursday, the megapolis experienced stronger-than-usual winds, with the maximum temperature dropping to 35.5 degrees Celsius, marking a decrease of 1.1 degrees from the previous day. The weather was partly cloudy with clear sunshine in some areas. Humidity levels rose to 79% in the morning and dropped to 65% by evening. Throughout the day, the metropolis experienced stronger sea winds, peaking at a speed of 40 km/h.

According to Sardar Sarfaraz, Karachi’s chief meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon activity, which dumped up to 59mm on the city recently, has moved westward in the sea, eliminating the possibility of thunderstorms. He indicated a dry spell for the next 10 days, with a potential system toward the end of the month that could bring heavy rainfall, though it remains uncertain.

According to the Early Warning Centre, today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) are likely to be partly cloudy in Karachi, with chances of light rain and thunderstorms in the evening and night, accompanied by strong winds. Coastal areas of Sindh are likely to have cloudy weather, while other areas may experience hot and humid conditions.

Monsoon preps

The Sindh government has put in place all necessary measures to mitigate potential rainfall impacts, including the cleaning of nullahs and deployment of 130 water pumps and 532 dewatering pumps. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has been activated, with directives issued to establish alternative routes.

While speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, provincial government spokesperson Arslan Islam Sheikh said that the weatherman has predicted heavy rains in Sindh, including Karachi, during the monsoon season in July. He, however, assured that the government has taken measures to minimise rain-related damages.

He listed the preparatory measures, including ongoing efforts to clean nullahs for efficient drainage and addressing electricity-related issues during rains. He highlighted the proactive stance of the PDMA, ensuring readiness with 130 water pumps and 532 dewatering pumps, affirming the provincial government’s readiness to manage potential floods. Contingency plans include establishing alternate routes for roads vulnerable to closure during monsoons.