Karachi Receives Light Rainfall, Bringing Respite from Heat

A gentle drizzle graced numerous areas of Karachi on Friday, offering a welcome break to residents following days of intense heat.

Brief showers were reported in locales such as Gulshan-e-Maymar, Sohrab Goth, Scheme 33, Federal B Area, Liaquatabad, University Road, Stadium Road, and PECHS.

The metropolis had been experiencing elevated temperatures, with the thermometer exceeding 40 degrees Celsius recently. The light rainfall resulted in a noticeable decrease in the perceived temperature and sparked anticipation for additional rainfall in the coming days.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that Karachi is anticipated to have overcast and agreeable conditions over the subsequent three days, with the possibility of light drizzle during the early morning and late evening hours. Daytime temperatures are projected to fluctuate between 33°C and 35°C, with a slight climb to 35°C-37°C expected for Monday.

In its pre-monsoon advisory, the Met Office conveyed that moist air currents originating from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are beginning to move into the nation, paving the way for the approaching monsoon period. From June 22nd to 24th, strong winds and rainfall associated with thunderstorms are predicted for Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad.

The agency further mentioned that a monsoon system might start affecting Sindh by the end of June, with the province likely to receive above-average rainfall this season.

The PMD has also predicted pre-monsoon rainfall across several other parts of the country from today until June 23, with intermittent breaks, which will alleviate the severe heatwave impacting various regions.

The anticipated wet period will feature dust storms, rain accompanied by wind, and thunderstorms, with the potential for heavy rainfall and hailstorms in isolated locations.

A westerly wave is also projected to approach the northern regions starting today, which is expected to contribute to the formation of unstable weather patterns during this timeframe.

The Met Office cautioned that strong winds and lightning could potentially damage vulnerable infrastructure, including electric poles, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles, particularly in upper and central areas like Islamabad. The intense heatwave presently affecting numerous parts of the country is forecast to gradually diminish during the advisory period.

There exists a risk of urban flooding in low-lying sections of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Islamabad during instances of significant downpours. Farmers are being advised to adjust their agricultural activities in accordance with the forecast.

The public, commuters, and tourists are being urged to adopt precautionary measures and refrain from unnecessary journeys to susceptible or flood-prone zones.

The PMD has instructed all relevant authorities to maintain a state of readiness and implement essential measures to avert any unfortunate events.