Karachi, Pakistan’s financial and commercial hub, experienced fresh thundershowers on Tuesday morning, turning the weather pleasant but also bringing with it several challenges for residents.
Areas such as I.I. Chundrigar Road, Sharea Faisal, Airport Road, and Saddar witnessed light to moderate showers, with traffic movement disrupted at key intersections.
Weather experts confirmed that a strong monsoon system is currently active in the Arabian Sea. The presence of high humidity has intensified this system into a low-pressure area, which is expected to generate further thundershower activity across Karachi. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), intermittent showers are likely to continue throughout the day and possibly extend over the next two days.
The PMD has further forecast that thundershowers with isolated heavy downpours may occur in several Sindh districts including Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, and Tharparkar. Officials warned that moderate to heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying parts of Karachi, particularly if drainage systems fail to cope with the inflow of water.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the Sindh chief secretary has instructed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and local government bodies to remain on high alert. Deputy commissioners have also been directed to monitor the field situation closely and ensure the timely drainage of accumulated rainwater to prevent disruption.
Citizens have been cautioned to stay indoors during heavy thundershowers and to avoid unnecessary travel. Meteorologists further advised residents not to use cellphones unnecessarily during thunderstorms and to refrain from bathing or washing dishes, as lightning strikes can pass through pipelines and cause electrical hazards.
With thundershowers expected to persist, Karachiites are urged to remain vigilant, as the next 48 hours are considered crucial for the city’s preparedness against possible flooding.