After several days of intense heat with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, Karachi finally received a refreshing break on Thursday as heavy rain and dust storms swept across the city.
Initially, the rain hit the outskirts, including areas like Gadap, Bahria Town, and Malir, before moving into the heart of Karachi, providing a much-needed reprieve for residents.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that while Karachi would experience warm conditions over the next few days, the severe heat would significantly ease.
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz explained that the rain is expected to continue intermittently for the next two to three days, mostly during the afternoons and evenings.
He noted that the current low-pressure system needs to dissipate or shift before the usual cooling sea breeze can return fully. “The coming days will remain warm but not as extreme,” Dr. Sarfaraz assured.
Earlier in the week, the PMD had forecasted “rain with winds and thunderstorms and isolated heavy showers” in various parts of Sindh starting Wednesday. This weather is part of a larger pattern affecting much of Pakistan, influenced by moist air currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, alongside a westerly wave impacting northern regions.
Beyond Karachi, the PMD forecasted that other regions, particularly in Punjab, would also experience rain and wind.
From Thursday night through the weekend, cities such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Gujranwala are expected to see sporadic rain and thunderstorms.
Despite the rain, Lahore’s temperatures are still projected to be high, with peaks of 42-44°C on Friday and slightly cooler at 41-43°C on Saturday.
Over the past 24 hours, parts of Punjab have already experienced scattered rain and thunderstorms, signaling the start of this broader weather pattern. As these conditions continue, residents should stay informed and prepare for the combination of heat relief and storm activity.
