Heavy rain likely as strong monsoon system to hit Karachi, Hyderabad today

• Karachi "may receive" 150mm to 200mm rain in next three days.
• Meteorologist says strong weather system present 270 km away.
• Surjani Town received highest amount of rain in city on Wednesday.

Heavy rain is expected to lash Karachi and Hyderabad as strong monsoon system will reach the Arabian Sea Thursday evening, as per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The strong monsoon system near Tharparkar and India’s Rann of Kutch may penetrate into Karachi, Hyderabad and other districts, bringing torrential rains with thunderstorm in the evening, the Met Office said.

It said Karachi was likely to receive from 150 to 200 millimeters of rain in the next three days.

According to the meteorological department, there is a possibility of intermittent rain in various parts of Sindh, including Karachi, until August 31, with strong winds and thunderstorms, and heavy downpours in some places.

Speaking during Geo News programme 'Geo Pakistan', PMD Meteorologist Anjum Nazir Zaighum said a strong weather system was still present 270 km away from Karachi in the north-east.

“The weather system will increase its intensity marginally, when it will reach the Arabian Sea, and form a cyclone storm for about one and a half days,” he warned.

In the Arabian Sea, Zaigham maintained, an average cyclone lasted for three to four days.

The weather department, in its daily report, said wind was blowing at a speed of 13km from south-western side in the port city.

While, humidity level in the air was recorded 88% and the minimum temperature was 26°C. The mercury may maximum clock at 30°C.

Meanwhile, schools in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sajawal, Badin, Tandwalayar, Sanghar will remain closed on Friday, owing to the rain forecast.

On the other hand, all schools in Karachi will remain open as the notification of holiday in schools of district Central has also been withdrawn.

In the last 24 hours, the PMD said, Karachi’s Surjani Town received the highest amount of rain, 30mm. Nazimabad recorded 26mm of rain, Keamari 21mm, Gulshan-e-Hadeed 16mm, Faisal Base 16mm, Quaidabad 11.5mm, Orangi Town 13.1mm, Saddar 13mm, North Karachi 12.2mm, Saddar 11mm, Sharea Faisal 10mm, University Road 9mm, Gulshan-e-Maymar 11.1mm, Old Airport 11.6mm, Mauripur 8mm, Jinnah Terminal 9.6mm, Masroor Base 9mm, Korangi 8.2mm, DHA 7.8 mm and Gadap 3.7mm during this time.

NDMA alerts authorities

Issuing an alert to relevant departments, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) anticipated more "heavy to very heavy rain" clubbed with wind/thunderstorms in parts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan within the next 24 to 72 hours.

Rainfall is likely to exceed 100mm in most parts of Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, a statement read, adding that heavy downpours are expected to trigger urban flooding in urban centre, including Karachi and Hyderabad, as well as flash flooding in local nullahs and river tributaries.

It also predicted heavy rainfall in Punjab and Balochistan that could cause urban flooding in urban centres, floods in hill torrents in both provinces and high river flows.

The NDMA urged all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and heavy rains.

It issued instructions to alert Emergency Response Teams and mobilise resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situations.

The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.