Islamabad, August 16, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted a thundershower for Karachi and several other regions across Sindh on Saturday, August 17, 2024.
This weather development is expected to bring relief from the persistent heat but may also pose challenges, particularly in urban areas prone to flooding.
In its latest weather report, the PMD indicated that rain-wind and thundershowers, with some areas experiencing heavy rainfall, are anticipated across various districts in Sindh. The affected regions include Sukkur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Larkana, Jacobabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tharparkar, Mithi, Mirpur Khas, Umarkot, and Sanghar.
Nationwide Weather Outlook
The PMD’s weather forecast for August 17, 2024, extends beyond Sindh, predicting rain-wind and thundershowers across the country. This includes Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pothohar region, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. The meteorological department has also warned of potential heavy rainfall in southern Punjab and eastern Balochistan during this period, which could lead to localized flooding.
Flash Flood and Urban Flooding Warnings
The PMD has issued a flash flood warning for several areas due to the expected heavy downpour. Torrential rains could generate flash floods in local nullahs, streams, and hill torrents, particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Lasbella, Sibbi, Kohlu, Harnai, Naseerabad, Jafarabad, Zhob, Bolan, Dadu, Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Northeast Punjab, and Kashmir.
Urban flooding is a significant concern, especially in low-lying areas of lower Sindh, including Karachi, as well as in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar. The PMD has advised local authorities and residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of possible floods.
Landslide Risks in Hilly Areas
The PMD also highlighted the risk of landslides in vulnerable hilly areas during the forecasted wet spell. Areas at risk include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The department warned that landslides could cause road closures, posing a threat to travelers and disrupting transportation in these regions.
Synoptic Situation
Explaining the synoptic situation, the PMD reported that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are currently penetrating the southern and central parts of Pakistan. Additionally, a westerly wave is affecting the western and upper parts of the country, contributing to the likelihood of rain and thundershowers in these regions.
Recent Weather Observations
As of Friday, August 16, 2024, rain-wind/thundershowers were observed across several regions, including Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pothohar region, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. Heavy rainfall was particularly noted in southern Punjab, eastern Balochistan, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PMD also provided detailed rainfall data for the past 24 hours. In Punjab, significant rainfall was recorded in Islamabad, with Saidpur receiving 64 mm, Golra 30 mm, and Bhakkar 64 mm. Other notable rainfall figures include 39 mm in Khanewal, 33 mm in Layyah, and 21 mm in Narowal. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, D.I. Khan saw heavy rainfall, with 60 mm in the city and 14 mm at the airport. Malam Jabba and Kakul received 35 mm and 18 mm, respectively.
In Kashmir, Garhidupatta recorded 49 mm, while Muzaffarabad received 31 mm at the airport. Rainfall was also observed in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan, with Astore receiving 20 mm and Loralai 16 mm.
Temperature Observations
The PMD noted that the highest maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were in Nokkundi (49°C), Dalbandin (46°C), and Sibbi (45°C). These extreme temperatures highlight the ongoing heatwave in parts of the country, which the expected rain may help alleviate.
As Karachi braces for the predicted thundershower, residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to avoid potential hazards associated with heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and urban flooding.
