Karachi receives heavy rainfall, more showers forecast today

Dark clouds blanket the city in the early hours, causing difficulties for commuters travelling to offices

KARACHI:

Heavy rainfall swept across Karachi early on Thursday under the influence of a new western weather system, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature and prompting authorities to issue warnings, with more rain forecast.

Dark clouds blanket the city in the early hours, followed by steady showers across multiple areas, disrupting routine life and causing difficulties for commuters travelling to offices and educational institutions.

Rain is recorded in several localities, including Defence, Saddar, Keamari, Clifton, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Malir, Gulistan-e-Johar, Tariq Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Met Complex and Baldia.

The Meteorological Department says the new western system is gradually entering the country through Balochistan, with rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected in the city throughout the day.

Heavy rainfall is likely in some parts of the city, with strong winds also expected during the spell. Authorities warn that gusty winds and dust storms may pose a risk to weak structures.

Read: Thunderstorms, strong winds expected in Karachi today as western system approaches

Rainfall data shows 1mm recorded at PAF Base Faisal, 2.0mm at Jinnah Terminal and 7mm in Saadi Town.

The department says similar weather conditions are expected on Friday in Karachi and parts of rural Sindh, with the system likely to persist until April 4.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government urges citizens to remain cautious. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon says advance arrangements have been made, staff leave has been cancelled, and additional dewatering pumps have been installed to ensure timely drainage in low-lying areas.

He says choking points across the city had already been identified, with staff deployed and extra pumps installed for monitoring, while relevant provincial and municipal authorities have been placed on high alert and directed to remain in the field.

Read more: Widespread rain, thunderstorms expected across country from April 1: PMD

He adds that ensuring citizens’ safety is the government’s responsibility and advises the public to take precautionary measures and contact relevant institutions in case of emergency.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic Police, Pir Muhammad Shah is monitoring the traffic situation during the rainfall and has issued instructions to section officers to ensure effective deployment of personnel and improve traffic flow.

The measures aim to facilitate citizens, prevent inconvenience and ensure safe and smooth travel.

The latest radar indicates heavy downpour over the northern parts of the city, with some isolated hail reported.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a westerly wave continues to affect the southern parts of the country.

Under its influence, wind, thunderstorms and rain, with a few moderate to isolated heavy falls and occasional hailstorms, are likely today in Jamshoro, Dadu, Larkana, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Kambar Shahdadkot, Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Matiari, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Umerkot districts and Karachi Division, with occasional gaps.

Similar weather conditions are expected tomorrow in Larkana, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Kambar Shahdadkot, Sukkur, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze districts, with wind, thunderstorms and rain, including moderate to isolated heavy falls and possible hailstorms at isolated places.

Heavy rain warning issued across K-P

In Peshawar, the Meteorological Department on Thursday issued a warning of severe weather across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa from today until April 4, with heavy rain likely to trigger flash floods in local streams and landslides in mountainous areas.

Strong winds, dust storms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, including electricity poles, billboards, solar panels and standing crops. Tourists and travellers are advised to avoid unnecessary travel.

Rain with thunderstorms is expected in multiple districts, while some areas may also experience heavy rainfall and hail. Snowfall is likely over high mountains.

Rainfall recorded a day earlier includes 21mm in Dera Ismail Khan, 17mm in Parachinar and 9mm in Bannu. The highest temperature is recorded at 30°C in Dera Ismail Khan and the lowest at 4°C in Kalam.