Light showers soak Karachi as PMD forecasts more rain in next 24 hours

KARACHI: As the city records light rain early in the morning today, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast shows cloudy skies, drizzle and light rain in the port city in the next 24 hours.

The PMD on Thursday recorded the minimum temperature in the metropolis at 28°C while the maximum temperature in the city is likely to be 30°C to 32°C.

With 85% humidity and westward winds blowing at a speed of 13 kilometres per hour, the PMD forecast shows a possibility of light rain or drizzle in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin today.

Additionally, the meteorological department forecasted rainfall in various parts of the country including Islamabad, with the possibility of downpour in some places.

Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz has said that monsoon winds will enter lower Sindh from August 16, and under the influence of these winds, there is a possibility of rain in Karachi during August 17 to 19.

He said that "mostly moderate rain with thundershowers" is expected in Karachi and "there may be heavy rain at some areas".

NDMA warns of 'urban flooding' 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of urban flooding, ahead of heavy rains which are expected to hit various parts of the country in coming days.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the NDMA have indicated isolated heavy rains to hit catchment areas of Neelum and Jhelum rivers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Additionally, the NEOC also expect more rainfall in districts Barkhan, Bolan, Harnai, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Musakhel, Nasirabad, Sherani, Sibi, and Zhob of Balochistan and the Mirpur Khas Division, Dadu, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Larkana, Mithi, Matiari, Sanghar, and Sukkur of Sindh.

The development comes after the recent rains resulted in as many as 178 fatalities, including 92 children, across the country since July with the collapse of homes being the biggest cause of death.

The downpour, as per the NDMA, might cause urban flooding in various cities and flash flooding and landslides in hilly areas with an expected increase in the flow of water in the streams and nullahs.

The government body has called on the authorities and the masses to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and landslides. It has also directed all relevant departments to alert emergency response teams and mobilised resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situations.

Furthermore, tourists have been advised to avoid travelling to these areas during this time period.