Karachi, the bustling port city and economic heart of Pakistan, is bracing itself for thunderstorms expected to hit on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued forecasts indicating the likelihood of thunderstorms across various districts, including Karachi, in the Sindh Province.
According to the PMD’s weather forecast, partly cloudy conditions are anticipated in most districts of the province. However, rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in several areas including Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Padidan, Qambar Shahdadkot, Mirpur Khas, Mithi, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Karachi, and Thatta.
The weather outlook for Thursday, April 18, 2024, extends beyond Karachi, encompassing regions across the country. The PMD anticipates rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms with the possibility of heavy rainfall and hailstorms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab, Balochistan, and upper/southwest Sindh.
Additionally, the PMD has issued warnings of potential flash flooding in local nullahs (streams) and low-lying areas of Balochistan, particularly in Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Kech, Awaran, Kharan, Panjgur, Washuk, Noshki, Lasbella, Khuzdar, and Kalat. Similar concerns extend to areas in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, and Manshera, where heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding from April 18 to 20.
The risk of landslides looms over upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, with vulnerable locations potentially affected from April 18 to 21. Furthermore, the PMD warns of potential damage to standing crops, infrastructure, and vehicles due to windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning during this period.
The synoptic situation, according to the PMD, involves a trough of a strong westerly wave impacting most parts of Balochistan, with an extension expected to reach upper areas by April 18.
Looking back at the weather on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the PMD reports forecasts of more rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in most parts of Balochistan. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms are also expected in select locations during this period. Additionally, scattered rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms are anticipated in southern Punjab and Sindh.
In the past 24 hours, dry weather predominated over most parts of the country, with rain, wind, and thunderstorms recorded in Balochistan and upper Sindh. Notable rainfall measurements include 44mm in Jiwani, 16mm in Gwadar, and 15mm in Turbat.
Yesterday’s recorded highest maximum temperatures reached 41°C in Mithi and 39°C in Chhor and Shaheed Benazirabad.
As Karachi and other regions brace for inclement weather, residents are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about updates from relevant authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.
