Light rain was reported in several parts of Karachi on Thursday morning, bringing respite from the prevailing hot conditions in the city, a day after the Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a warning about the upcoming wet spell.
Light rain was recorded in central areas including Saddar, Clifton, MA Jinnah Road and Old City Area. The rainfall later spread to northern neighborhoods like North Karachi, New Karachi and Surjani Town.
Before the showers, gale force winds whipped the port city.
While the showers were light, they brought a noticeable change in the weather, with cooler winds accompanying the rain in some places.
There were no immediate reports of disruption, although intermittent rainfall is expected to continue in parts of the city.
Earlier this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted the wet spell and said the port city along with Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad and Larkana are expected to receive rain and thundershowers on March 25, 26, 28 and 29.
PDMA consultancy
In the wake of the rain forecast, PDMA directed its personnel to remain on high alert with all necessary machinery ready.
According to the warning, strong winds and hail could damage weak structures and solar panels, while temperatures are expected to drop.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Tourists and travelers are encouraged to take precautions, and farmers are advised to protect crops in advance.
The rain alert was issued in accordance with the orders of Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, who was presiding over a weather forecast meeting.
During the meeting, he directed all commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to remain in the field for the next seven days.
He directed the district administrations and local bodies to be fully mobilized.
Authorities have been ordered to ensure water diversion machinery is available and operational, maintain traffic flow and remove dangerous billboards.
Public awareness campaigns and all precautionary measures must be implemented in advance of the predicted weather events.
Met Office forecast
The Met Office issued a nationwide rain forecast on Monday, warning of wet weather, strong winds, thunder and lightning in many regions until March 30.
According to the forecast, a westerly weather system is expected to enter parts of Balochistan and intensify during the night of March 27.
Under its influence, wet spells are likely in Balochistan’s Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Gwadar, Pasni, Marwar and other districts including Lasbela, Khuzdar, Chagai, Dalbandin, Kalat, Sibi, Kohlu, Quetta, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Loralai, Ziarat, Qila, Abdjiah, Qila, Abdji, Pisji, Pissjiah, Pisjih Harnai, Zhob, Qalat and Mastung.
The PMD in its latest forecast said that the northern and northwestern regions will also be affected by the system and rainfall is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Buner, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Kurram, Handa, Sawabi, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai and Dera Ismail Khan.
In Punjab, showers are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree and Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Virkan, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, der Bhakkar, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan between March 25 and 30.
Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are also expected to receive rain during this period, the weather department concluded.
