The long-awaited Karachi rain spell finally arrived on Thursday as a fresh westerly wave moved into southern Pakistan, bringing gusty winds and winter showers to several parts of the metropolis. The change in weather ended weeks of dry conditions, offering much-needed relief to residents while lowering temperatures across the port city.
PMD Confirms Influence of Westerly Wave
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the Karachi rain spell developed under the influence of a newly entered westerly system. The Met Office had earlier forecast dust-thunderstorms along with light to moderate rainfall, a prediction that materialized as clouds thickened and rain showers spread across different neighborhoods.
Rain Extends Across Sindh Districts
The impact of the Karachi rain spell is not limited to the city alone. The weather system has expanded across Sindh, affecting districts including Jamshoro, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, and Shikarpur. In several areas, rainfall has helped suppress dust and improve air quality.
NDMA Issues Nationwide Rain Alert
As the Karachi rain spell intensified, the National Disaster Management Authority issued rain alerts for parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities warned that changing weather conditions could lead to localized disruptions, urging the public to remain cautious and informed.
ALSO READ: Karachi Flight Operations Disrupted Due to Bad Weather
Punjab Faces Heavy Rainfall and Snowfall
Heavy rainfall is expected across most districts of Punjab over the next 24 to 48 hours as the same weather system strengthens. Cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sargodha are likely to receive rain, while snowfall is expected in Murree and nearby hilly regions, increasing the risk of slippery roads.
Upper KP Braces for Rain and Snow
Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also under the influence of the system driving the Karachi rain spell. Rain is expected across the province, while snowfall is likely in upper areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Naran, Kaghan, and Galyat. Authorities have warned of possible traffic disruptions in mountainous regions.
Authorities on High Alert
In response to the expanding Karachi rain spell, disaster management agencies have been directed to stay alert for rescue operations and road restoration. Emergency response centers are actively monitoring the situation and providing advance warnings to minimize risks, ensuring public safety amid ongoing rain and snowfall.
