First monsoon rain hits Karachi as Met Office forecasts more showers

KARACHI: The first spell of monsoon rain continued to lash Karachi on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat and marking the official onset of the rainy season in the metropolis.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) released detailed rainfall statistics in various areas of Karachi since Friday morning.

According to the figures, the highest recorded rainfall was in North Karachi where 6.8 millimetres rainfall was reported. Orangi Town was the next highest with 6.1mm rain. Other areas experienced varying amounts of precipitation, with Nazimabad 1.4mm, Gulshan-e-Maymar 1.6 mm, Old Airport, DHA Phase 2 PAF Base Masroor and Faisal Base 1mm.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has forecast widespread rain with gusty winds or thundershower for the Sindh province including Karachi during the next 24 hours.

Thundershower is predicted in Hyderabad, Karachi, Dadu, Badin, Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Qambar Shadadkot, Shaheed Benazirabad and their surroundings, it said.

However, scattered heavy falls are likely during the period.

Following overnight rain — the first monsoon spell — with thunder and lightning, the weather in Karachi is expected to remain pleasant.

However, rainwater has not been drained from several areas. Around 350 feeders tripped across the city, leading to repeated power outages in various localities.

In Hyderabad, the roof of a madrassa collapsed during the rain, killing two children and injuring fourteen.

Following the rainfall, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited various parts of the city, including Defence, Clifton, South District, Governor House, Sindh Assembly, and Supreme Court Building.

The municipal commissioner briefed him on the drainage and cleaning of stormwater drains. The mayor ordered all municipal services staff to remain on alert and cancelled their leaves.

According to the meteorological department, a westerly weather system has moved over the western regions of the country, under which, most parts of Sindh are expected to see thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rain starting today until June 29.