KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert forecasting rain and thunderstorms in Karachi and several other Sindh districts on the first day of Eidul Fitr, potentially disrupting celebrations across the province. The forecast comes just days after deadly storms claimed 20 lives in Karachi, prompting authorities to implement emergency preparedness measures.
In its daily weather update, the PMD stated that a westerly wave is currently affecting most parts of Pakistan, bringing unstable weather conditions to Sindh. The department specifically predicted rain and thunderstorms with strong winds in Karachi Division and multiple other districts including Larkana, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Mirpurkhas. For Karachi, the forecast indicates mostly cloudy weather with chances of isolated thunderstorms, particularly in outlying areas.
Temperatures in the metropolis are expected to range between 29-31°C during the day, dropping to 17-19°C at night. Humidity levels may reach 80-90% in the morning before decreasing to 50-60% by evening. The PMD’s three-day outlook suggests partly cloudy conditions for Karachi on Sunday, with temperatures rising slightly to 31-33°C during daytime hours.
The weather body issued a warning about potential lightning strikes at isolated locations across Sindh and advised farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops. This advisory comes during a critical agricultural period for the region, where weather conditions significantly impact crop yields and farmer livelihoods.
In response to the forecast, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed relevant authorities to implement all necessary mitigation measures. This proactive approach follows Wednesday’s devastating storms that caused widespread damage across Karachi, with Korangi recording 55.6mm of rainfall—the highest in the city—followed by Nazimabad at 29.6mm.
The recent severe weather events in Pakistan have raised concerns about changing climate patterns and their impact on traditional weather seasons. Some meteorologists suggest these unusual March storms may be linked to broader climate change patterns affecting South Asia, though further research is needed to establish definitive connections.
Residents are advised to stay updated through official channels like the BBC’s Asia weather coverage and local authorities. The PMD continues to monitor the situation closely, with additional updates expected as the weather system develops. For those traveling during Eid celebrations, checking Reuters’ Asia-Pacific news for regional weather developments is recommended.
As millions prepare to celebrate Eid across Sindh, authorities emphasize the importance of safety during adverse weather conditions, particularly in areas prone to flooding or where previous storm damage has weakened infrastructure. The coordination between meteorological services and disaster management agencies represents an evolving approach to weather-related challenges in Pakistan’s most populous province.
Source: Dawn News