Rain disrupts Eidul Fitr celebrations across Karachi

Commuters make their way through rain-soaked roads as downpours disrupt Eid congregations

Rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lashed several parts of Karachi early on the first day of Eidul Fitr, disrupting prayers and dampening celebrations across the city.

The downpour, which intensified at intervals, turned the festive morning into a wet and chaotic affair, forcing many citizens to alter Eid plans as movement became difficult in several areas.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the highest rainfall was recorded at Jinnah Terminal Airport at 13.2mm. Other areas included Gulshan-e-Hadeed (11.4mm), PAF Base Masroor (11mm), Old Airport (10.8mm), Nazimabad (Paposh) (9.7mm), PAF Base Faisal (8mm), Korangi (4mm) and Surjani Town (2.6mm), while the lowest rainfall was recorded on the M-9 motorway at 2.2mm.

Read: Thunderstorms, heavy rain likely in Karachi today as temperatures set to drop

Rainfall was reported in multiple localities including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area and PIB Colony, where heavy showers continued with thunderstorms. Gulshan-e-Hadeed also witnessed rain with thunder and lightning, while strong winds were recorded in several parts of the city.

Waterlogging was reported at key locations including University Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Hassan Square, Nipa Chowrangi, Old Sabzi Mandi, Liaquatabad No 10 and Gurumandir, causing disruption to traffic and movement.

In view of the ongoing rain, Eid prayers at Polo Ground were cancelled, while rain and muddy conditions created difficulties for citizens heading to Eidgahs. Many open-air congregations were either delayed or faced disruptions due to continuous showers.

The Met Office said the city’s minimum temperature was recorded at 18.5°C, with humidity levels reaching 87%. Rain with strong winds is likely in several areas including Larkana, Sukkur, Hyderabad and Thatta. Dust storms and thunderstorms with rain are expected at some locations.

On Sunday and Monday, the city’s sky is expected to remain partly to mostly cloudy. The maximum temperature today is likely to range between 28°C and 30°C. There is a risk of lightning in some areas.

Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures in line with the prevailing weather conditions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said.