KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted heavy rainfall for Karachi as the ongoing monsoon system continues to impact the region.
According to the PMD, the system stretching over the Indian Gujarat region and the nearby northern Arabian Sea has intensified, forming a low-pressure area.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued a forecast for heavy rain in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Tharparkar, Badin, Umerkot, and several other districts.
Its National Emergency Operation Centre released an alert warning of widespread rain and thunderstorms expected to affect many parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
Rainfall began across Karachi on Friday morning under this new monsoon system, and overcast skies lasted throughout the day, leading to a noticeable drop in temperature and heat levels.
Rain measurements from Friday morning to night showed Surjani Town receiving the highest at 16mm, followed by 6.8mm in North Karachi, 6.1mm in Orangi Town, 5mm in Gulshan-e-Maymar and Saddar, 2.5mm in both Korangi and Saadi Town, 2mm at Jinnah Terminal, 1.6mm in the Old Airport Area, and 1.4mm in Nazimabad. PAF Base Masroor and Faisal Base received 1mm each.
PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir Zaigham shared that the weather system remains active across Sindh and may intensify further.
The system is expected to stay over Karachi until Sunday morning, with forecasts of light to heavy rain at intervals. The Met Office has also warned of possible urban flooding in some parts of the city due to heavy downpours.
Power outages plunge Karachi into darkness
Light rainfall on Thursday night triggered widespread power outages across the city, disrupting daily life as large parts of Karachi were left without electricity.
K-Electric reported that more than 340 feeders tripped during the showers, causing blackouts in areas such as Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Federal B Area, PIB Colony, Mahmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, and parts of the Old City.
“KE says system remains stable”
Despite rain in many parts of the city, K-Electric stated that its system remained largely functional during the first wave of monsoon showers. Of its 2,100 feeders, more than 1,600 continued supplying electricity without any interruptions.
As a safety precaution, K-Electric temporarily suspended supply in low-lying areas and locations with known illegal connections. Field crews were deployed promptly to restore electricity where needed, following strict safety measures.
Most affected areas had their power restored as the weather improved. KE’s management maintained communication with city authorities throughout the monsoon period.
KE spokesperson Imran Rana urged the public to remain cautious, especially around electrical poles and loose wires, including tangled TV or internet cables.