Karachi weather update: rainfall cools city amid high alert

Rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds swept across several parts of Karachi on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from the heat as a monsoon weather system moved into the city's outskirts.

Karachi: Rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds swept across several parts of Karachi on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from the heat as a monsoon weather system moved into the city’s outskirts.

Heavy rainfall was reported in suburban areas, including Gulshan-e-Memar, Manghopir, Ahsanabad, and Gulzar-e-Hijri, where strong winds and thunderstorms marked the arrival of the weather system. Meanwhile, light rain and drizzle were recorded in Nazimabad, New Karachi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Orangi Town, Saddar, Defence, Korangi, and several other neighborhoods.

The rainfall significantly lowered temperatures and created pleasant weather conditions across the city.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, dusty winds are also expected in Karachi’s outskirts, while central parts of the city are likely to receive light rain as the weather system continues to move through the region.

In response to forecasts of widespread rainfall across Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah placed provincial authorities on high alert. He directed municipal bodies, the Water Board, and district administrations to remain operational around the clock to respond to any rain-related emergencies.

The chief minister instructed authorities to immediately clear stormwater drains and blocked points, deploy dewatering pumps in low-lying areas, and ensure uninterrupted drainage operations. He also ordered the Water Board to clean sewerage lines and arrange backup power for pumping stations.

Power utility K-Electric said its emergency teams had been placed on alert following the rainfall. The company advised residents to stay away from electricity poles, meters, overhead cables, and other electrical infrastructure during and after the rain. It also urged the public to avoid using electrical appliances with wet hands and warned against illegal electricity connections, which can pose serious safety risks during wet weather.

Authorities have also activated provincial and district-level rain emergency control rooms to address public complaints and coordinate emergency response efforts, while traffic police have been directed to maintain smooth traffic flow on major roads and intersections throughout the city.