Karachi receives light rain as PMD forecasts more showers across Sindh

Parts of Karachi experienced light rain and drizzle on Saturday afternoon, bringing a welcome drop in temperatures and creating pleasant weather across the city. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that this spell of wet weather will continue over the next two days, with additional rain and thunderstorms expected in different parts of the metropolis.

Light showers and drizzle were recorded in several neighborhoods, including Surjani Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar, and various suburban areas. Residents enjoyed cooler conditions after the rainfall, while cloudy skies covered much of the city. According to the PMD, Karachi is expected to remain mostly cloudy, with chances of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms during the coming 48 hours. Earlier forecasts had also warned of windstorms and thunderstorm activity, particularly during the afternoon and evening.

Meteorological officials explained that the weather pattern is being influenced by a low-pressure system that had previously developed into a depression but has now weakened into a low-pressure area. The system is currently located over southeastern Rajasthan in India. Although it has weakened, it continues to draw moisture-laden monsoon winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, resulting in widespread rainfall across different regions. At the same time, a separate westerly weather system is affecting northern parts of the country, further contributing to unstable weather conditions.

The PMD warned that these combined weather systems are likely to trigger thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rainfall in several districts of Sindh. Authorities also cautioned that heavy downpours in some areas could lead to urban flooding, especially in low-lying localities where drainage systems may become overwhelmed.

The department stated that rain accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms, and windstorms was expected over the next three to six hours in several districts, including Tharparkar, Mithi, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Dadu, Larkana, Sukkur, and nearby areas. Residents in these regions have been advised to remain cautious and stay updated with official weather advisories.

In response to the forecast, the Sindh government has placed all relevant departments on high alert to ensure preparedness for any weather-related emergencies. Adviser to the Chief Minister on Rehabilitation, Gyan Chand Essrani, directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122 teams, and mobile health units to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. He instructed all emergency response agencies to continuously monitor the situation and respond promptly to any incidents caused by heavy rainfall or flooding.

To strengthen emergency preparedness, PDMA Sindh has deployed 50 specially equipped response vehicles fitted with dewatering pumps across the province. These vehicles are intended to quickly remove accumulated rainwater from flooded roads and residential areas. Of the total fleet, 10 vehicles have been stationed in Karachi, while 25 have been allocated to Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions. The remaining 15 vehicles have been deployed in Sukkur and Larkana divisions to support emergency operations. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution during heavy rain, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with emergency services to ensure public safety throughout the ongoing monsoon spell.