Met Dept warns strong winds, lightning may damage vulnerable structures, heavy rain may trigger urban flooding
Traffic moves slowly along Korangi Road during light rain, as headlights and taillights reflect on the wet asphalt, creating a shimmering nighttime scene of cars and motorbikes navigating the slick streets. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
KARACHI:
Light rain and drizzle are expected at isolated locations in Karachi over the next two days as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast mostly cloudy, hot and humid weather for the city while warning of moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of interior Sindh, the department said on Sunday.
According to the PMD, Karachi is expected to remain mostly cloudy, hot and humid on Sunday, with light rain and drizzle likely at a few places. On Monday and Tuesday, the city is forecast to experience partly cloudy and humid conditions, with occasional strong winds and the possibility of drizzle at isolated locations.
The Met Office said a low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas persists but is expected to weaken by Monday. However, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea continue to penetrate the southern and central parts of Pakistan, sustaining wet weather across the region.
Under the influence of this weather system, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar and Matiari are likely to receive thunderstorms with moderate rainfall at a few places and heavy rainfall at isolated locations on Sunday and Monday.
Meanwhile, Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad and Hyderabad are also expected to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.
The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including weak buildings, while heavy rainfall may trigger urban flooding in parts of rural Sindh.
The department advised residents, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to remain updated on weather advisories and to take necessary precautions during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Read: Karachi under monsoon influence
The season’s first monsoon spell drenched Karachi on Friday, bringing light, moderate and heavy rain to different parts of the city as the PMD predicted more rain accompanied by thunder and lightning over the next two days.
The rain began in the city’s outskirts, including in Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani Town, Ahsanabad and Manghopir, in the evening before gradually spreading to other areas.
Meanwhile, light to heavy rainfall was recorded in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road, DHA, Mahmoodabad, Empress Market, Bohri Bazaar, Jehangir Park, the Mobile Market and surrounding localities, bringing significant relief from the heat and humidity.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared a high alert across the province on Friday, in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall. He directed local government institutions, the Water Board, and district administrations, to remain operational round the clock.
CM Shah reassured that the affected areas were being continuously monitored, all institutions remained fully mobilised and no negligence in drainage operations would be tolerated.
