Thunderstorms, strong winds expected in Karachi today as western system approaches
A view of a street in Karachi during moderate to heavy rainfall. Photo: SCREENGRAB/ File
Rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected in parts of Karachi after midday on Thursday, with strong winds also likely during the spell, the Met Office said.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), wind speeds could exceed 50 kilometres per hour, while some areas of the city may also receive hail.
The weather is expected to remain mostly clear with bright sunshine on Friday. However, a new spell of rain is forecast for Saturday as a fresh western weather system affects the region.
Deputy Director and spokesperson for the Met Office in Karachi, Anjum Nazir Zaigham, said the effects of the new western system entering the country could persist in Karachi and parts of rural Sindh until March 29.
The Met Office said the maximum temperature in Karachi on Thursday is expected to range between 32°C and 34°C. The maximum temperature recorded a day earlier was 32.9°C.
The minimum temperature recorded in the city on Thursday was 24°C, while the minimum temperature on Friday is expected to range between 23°C and 25°C.
A westerly wave is currently affecting most parts of the country, bringing unsettled weather. Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected today in Jamshoro, Dadu, Kambar Shahdad Kot, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Sukkur, Ghotki districts, and Karachi Division.
Over March 28 and 29, rainfall is expected to intensify. Rain and thunderstorms, with strong winds and isolated hailstorms, are forecast in Ghotki, Larkana, Kamber Shahdad Kot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Jamshoro, Nosheroferoz, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Hyderabad, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Matiari districts, as well as Karachi Division, with occasional breaks in the rainfall.
Residents are advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions during this period of unsettled weather.
Read: Balochistan braces for western weather system, flash flood risk high
Furthermore, in Balochistan, PMD has issued alerts at the provincial and district levels, forecasting a new and strong western weather system. Under this system, intermittent rains are expected in around 27 districts of the province from March 27 to 29, while heavy rain, thunder, strong winds, and hailstorms are also likely in several areas.
According to the Met Office, the western weather system will enter Balochistan through Iran, resulting in a serious risk of flash flooding due to heavy rains.
Public advisory
Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on mountainous and coastal roads, as visibility may be reduced due to hailstorms and strong winds. If travel is unavoidable, they have been advised to check the latest weather updates and exercise caution.
Citizens have been advised not to go near streams and dams, to keep children indoors, and to stay away from electric wires and poles. Further, those collecting rainwater should exercise caution, while residents living near streams and waterways have been particularly advised to remain alert and secure weak structures.