Weather alert: Karachi braces for heavy rain, thunderstorms from Sunday

PMD warns weather patterns will impact various Sindh districts, including Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sanghar until Aug 6

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Karachi beginning Sunday, due to a strong monsoon system affecting the region from Rajasthan, India, and the Arabian Sea.

During the 24 hours period of 8am on Friday to 8am on Saturday, the highest recorded rainfall in Karachi was 41 mm in Keamari.

Other areas saw significant rainfall, including 20 mm at PAF Masroor Base, 19 mm in Saddar and Quaidabad, 18 mm in Orangi Town, 16 mm in Korangi, 15 mm in DHA, and 11 mm at PAF Faisal Base.

The latest alert from the Met Office indicates that the monsoon winds are expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain to Karachi on Sunday.

This weather pattern will impact various Sindh districts, including Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Naushahro Feroze, and Shaheed Benazirabad, until August 6.

In addition to Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, and Tharparkar are likely to experience rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms during this period.

Due to the expected heavy rainfall, low-lying areas in Khairpur, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Naushahro Feroze, Dadu, and Jamshoro may experience water accumulation.

The hilly terrains and streams of Kirthar and adjacent areas of Balochistan could potentially lead to flood-like conditions in Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, and Jamshoro.

The PMD also cautioned that the combination of strong winds and thunderstorms poses a risk to weak infrastructure, including fragile houses, electric poles, and billboards, which may sustain damage.