The weather in Karachi turned pleasant on Tuesday afternoon as several parts of the city experienced intermittent rainfall. The areas that witnessed rain included Old City, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Saddar, II Chundrigar Road, Malir, Airport, Quaidabad, Federal B Area, and Tariq Road.
Earlier today, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecasted rain with thunderstorms in some parts of the port city, despite the prediction of hot and humid weather. “There is a likelihood of rain with thunderstorm in some parts of Karachi after noon,” said the Met Office, adding that there might be light to moderate rain in some places.
The department also indicated that the weather is expected to remain hot and humid over the next 24 hours. The minimum temperature recorded in the city was 30°C, with the maximum temperature likely to hover between 35°C to 37°C. The percentage of humidity in the air was noted at 59%.
In light of the expected heavy rains across Sindh, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an urban flooding warning for Karachi, Hyderabad, and other areas. Scattered rainfall, windstorms, and thunderstorms are anticipated in Kashmore, Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Umerkot, Badin, Mithi, Tharparkar, and adjacent areas within the next 12 to 24 hours.
This downpour poses a risk of localized urban flooding and medium-level overflows in nullahs, putting people living in low-lying areas at risk. The NDMA has advised provincial disaster management departments and local administrations to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to safeguard the population at risk.
The ongoing monsoon activity is likely to affect the weather in the coming days, as per the Met Office. “Met Office informed that more monsoon currents are likely to penetrate from the Arabian Sea in upper parts of the country from 10th July,” stated the latest weather update. This means that Karachi and other parts of Sindh might continue to experience rainfall and thunderstorms, which could further impact daily life and infrastructure.
Urban flooding is a significant concern for Karachi, given the city’s history of drainage and infrastructure issues. Heavy rainfall often leads to waterlogging in various parts of the city, disrupting traffic and daily activities. The local government and disaster management authorities are expected to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.
In preparation, the city administration may need to ensure that drainage systems are clear and functional, and that emergency response teams are ready to act swiftly. Public awareness campaigns can also help inform residents about safety measures during heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Overall, while the rainfall brings much-needed relief from the heat, it also necessitates vigilance and preparedness to address the associated risks. The cooperation between the NDMA, PMD, local government, and residents will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the monsoon season.
