Karachi Braces for Potential Light Rain Amid Rising Temperatures

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting the possibility of light rainfall in Karachi on Tuesday afternoon. This comes as a deep depression hovers over Gujarat, India, contributing to increased heat in the city.

A PMD representative indicated that Karachi’s temperatures could climb to 40 degrees Celsius. According to meteorologist Anjum Nazir, there’s a 50% likelihood that the depression might enter the Arabian Sea by October 1 and intensify before shifting westward toward Oman.

Nazir clarified that a cyclone is unlikely to form, with the system expected to dissipate in the deep sea after October 4. However, some regions, including Thatta, Sujawal, Tharparkar, and Umerkot, may experience rainfall. Karachi could also receive post-monsoon showers after an extended dry period.

Looking ahead, Nazir anticipates a return to normal temperatures in Karachi. Nevertheless, she cautioned that October is typically a hot month for the metropolis, raising the possibility of heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

The Met Office further noted that sea surface temperatures in the western Arabian Sea are currently below average. However, projections suggest that more cyclones than usual could develop in the coming years. For the current year, officials foresee diminished winter rainfall and a lower chance of severe cold weather.

Earlier in September, on the morning of September 16, Karachi experienced scattered light rain and drizzle.

These light showers were observed in areas such as II Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Garden, and nearby locations as people traveled to work.

The PMD attributed this rainfall to moist winds and sea clouds originating from the Arabian Sea.

Previously, from September 8 to 10, heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding throughout the city, causing rivers to overflow and displacing numerous residents.

The Lyari and Malir rivers, along with several smaller streams, had previously overflowed, inundating low-lying areas and triggering emergency rescue operations.

In the most severely affected areas, homes were flooded, compelling families to seek refuge elsewhere. The city also reported several fatalities due to drowning in the overflowing Gadap River.