Winter chills hit Karachi as rain, gusty winds signal three-day cold spell

City sees light to moderate rain as the season’s second western weather system hit some areas heavily

Cold gripped the city again as light to moderate rain fell across Karachi on Thursday under the influence of the season’s second western weather system, with a few localities receiving relatively heavy showers.

Prior to the rain, cold and dusty winds swept through the city.

The highest rainfall was recorded in Surjani Town at 26.3 millimetres. Meteorological authorities confirmed that the rain-bearing system had moved away and no further rainfall was expected. However, a three-day cold spell is likely to begin from Friday, with temperatures expected to drop further.

Throughout the day, the city remained partly to fully overcast, while northeasterly winds blew at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. Rainfall began in the suburban area of Surjani Town in the afternoon and gradually spread to other parts of the city.

Areas, including Surjani Town, North Karachi (UP Mor), Nagan Chowrangi, Karachi Airport, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Ahsanabad, Jamia-tur-Rasheed, Sohrab Goth, FTC, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Al-Bilal, Lasbela, Garden East, Shoe Market, and Ramswami, received light to moderate rain, while some pockets experienced relatively heavy showers.

Official rainfall measurements included: 26.3mm in Surjani Town, 20mm in North Karachi, 17.6mm in Gulshan-e-Maymar, 14.2mm on the Super Highway, 10mm in Saadi Town, 8.5mm in Nazimabad, 4mm in Korangi, 3mm each in Gulshan-e-Hadeed and PAF Masroor, and 2mm at PAF Base Faisal.

The city’s maximum temperature dropped by 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day, recording 25.8°C. The Early Warning Centre has forecast dry and cold weather over the next three days, with minimum temperatures on Friday and Saturday expected to range between seven and nine degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab directed all Karachi Metropolitan Corporation teams to remain on high alert in view of the rain. He stated that all pumping stations had been fully activated to ensure the timely drainage of rainwater.

He said that field staff were continuously monitoring the situation to prevent inconvenience to citizens, while the performance of the drainage system was being closely observed. He added that an emergency cell has been set up to deal with any unforeseen situation and to ensure prompt redressal of public grievances.