Is UAE-like heavy rain expected in Karachi?

After record-breaking rainfall wrecked havoc in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) also predicted heavy rains coupled with thunderstorms across Pakistan, including Karachi from April 16 night to April 19 under a strong westerly system.

The same weather system which entered the country via Balochistan led to heavy rainfall in the coastal areas of Makran after the Gulf states, according to the weather experts.

They also forecast that affects of the system would emerge in Karachi and rural Sindh after Wednesday evening, however, it would not be as strong as it brought wrecking downpours in the Gulf states, especially the UAE.

The UAE witnessed its heaviest rainfall on record in 75 years, causing severe flooding and disrupted flights operations at one of the world’s busiest airports.

Al Ain, a region known as 'Khatm Al Shakla', witnessed an astonishing 254.8mm of rainfall in less than 24 hours, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Flash flooding in the UAE and its neighbouring Oman claimed at least 20 lives, including one from the former Gulf state in Ras Al Khaimah, as per media reports.

The weathermen added that Karachi would receive downpour from 15 to 40 millimetres in the forthcoming spell of rainfall.

Subsequently, the coastal strip of Sindh is expected to receive rainfall with thunderstorms from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday evening while heavy downpour was also predicted in southern and western parts of the province in the next 24 hours.

The PMD, in a weather update, said the westerly wave will extend to the upper parts on April 18.

The parts of Sindh including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, Qambar Shahdad Kot, Jamshoro, and Sanghar are expected to receive heavy rainfall from the night of April 17 to April 19 morning.

The Met department advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travelling during the forecast period.

"All concerned authorities are advised to remain “ALERT” and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period."