The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted dust-thunderstorms and rain, along with lightning, in scattered areas of Karachi today as changing weather patterns continue to impact southern parts of the country.
As per the latest advisory, Karachi and other parts of Sindh, including Mithi, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Sukkur, Ghotki, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur, may experience partly cloudy conditions with chances of dust-thunderstorms and rainfall at isolated spots.
These weather developments are likely to begin Monday evening and continue into Tuesday, triggered by moist air from the Arabian Sea meeting a westerly system over central Pakistan.
Karachi’s maximum temperature today is expected to range between 37°C and 39°C, with humidity levels hitting around 73%.
Anjum Nazir Zaigham, spokesperson for the Met Office, mentioned that the day started off warm and humid, with the mercury already climbing past 36°C by early afternoon.
He noted that light to moderate showers with thunder could hit the outskirts of Karachi later in the day, accompanied by gusty, dusty winds that could further disrupt the weather.
Looking ahead, he added, “Tomorrow rain-bearing clouds may form near the suburban areas of Karachi and rainfall is expected in Jamshoro, Thatta, and Sujawal.”
Temperatures in interior Sindh, including Dadu and Jacobabad, are expected to soar past 44°C. The blend of heat, humidity, and unstable weather could lead to short bursts of heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning.
On Sunday, most of the country remained hot and dry, with extremely hot conditions across the plains. However, isolated showers with dust and thunder were reported in parts of Central and Southern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Recorded rainfall included 8 mm in Bahawalnagar, 3 mm in Sahiwal, and 2 mm in Toba Tek Singh. In KP, Dera Ismail Khan Airport received 4 mm, while Lower Dir saw 2 mm, and both Malam Jabba and Kalam recorded 1 mm.
Among the hottest places on Sunday were Noorpur Thal and Turbat at 48°C, Jhelum and Bhakkar at 46°C, and 45°C recorded in Joharabad, Jacobabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Mangla, and Sibbi.
The Met Office cautioned that strong winds could pose risks to infrastructure, such as electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.
People living in low-lying or open areas are urged to take precautions, secure loose items, and avoid going out unnecessarily during stormy weather.
The unstable weather is expected to settle by Wednesday, with a return to the usual hot and dry conditions across most of Sindh.