Karachi is expected to see light rain today (Wednesday) following the heavy downpour that lashed the city a day earlier, as a low-pressure system over India’s Gujarat continues to influence weather conditions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted partly cloudy skies with chances of drizzle or light rain during the next 24 hours, while weather analysts suggest moderate showers could hit some areas, though the system’s movement towards Karachi remains slow.
Experts caution that the longer this system lingers over the sea, the higher the risk of it strengthening, with the possibility of developing into a depression within 12 hours.
Currently located about 310 kilometres southeast of Karachi, the system has also raised concern about potential cyclone development later this week.
According to PMD, Karachi’s temperature is likely to hover between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum recorded yesterday was 25.5 degrees.
Humidity is at 81 percent, with winds blowing from the northeast at around 11 kilometres per hour.
The Met Office has also warned of thunderstorms with rain and lightning in other districts of Sindh, including Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Badin, Sanghar, and Umerkot, with areas such as Jamshoro, Thatta, Sujawal, and Tando Muhammad Khan also expected to be affected.
Marine conditions are forecast to worsen, with wind speeds potentially reaching 45 to 55 kilometres per hour. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid deep-sea ventures until October 2 as a precaution.
Karachi on Tuesday already experienced heavy showers and strong winds that cooled the heat but also caused flooding on roads and severe traffic disruptions.
The PMD explained that the ongoing spell of rain is being driven by moist currents from the Arabian Sea under the influence of a well-marked low-pressure system that may evolve further.
The Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi has indicated that the system is likely to drift west-southwest into the Arabian Sea, where favourable conditions such as warm sea surface temperatures could fuel its intensification.
While there is no immediate threat to Pakistan’s coastal belt, authorities have warned of possible damage to weak structures, power poles, billboards, and solar panels due to strong winds and lightning.
Provincial disaster management authorities have directed all deputy commissioners and local disaster units in Sindh to remain on high alert and prepare emergency measures as the situation unfolds.