Rain, thunderstorms expected in Karachi ahead of Eid as westerly wave affects Sindh

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast cloudy and rainy weather for Karachi and other parts of Sindh on Wednesday and Thursday as a westerly wave continues to affect most parts of the country ahead of Eid.

Westerly wave brings rain chances

"A westerly wave is affecting most parts of the country today," the PMD said in its weather forecast issued on Wednesday. The Met Office has urged citizens to take precautions in light of expected heavy showers.

For Karachi division, the PMD forecast "partly cloudy and chances of wind thunderstorm/rain with few moderate to isolated heavy falls" for both Wednesday and Thursday, March 18 and 19.

Temperature and humidity outlook

On Wednesday, the maximum temperature in Karachi is expected to range between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius, with the minimum recorded at 23.2°C. Winds are expected to blow from the northeast before turning south/southwesterly. Humidity levels are forecast at 87 per cent during the daytime, dropping to between 50 and 60 per cent in the evening.

Temperatures are predicted to dip slightly on Thursday, with highs of 27 to 29°C and lows of 20 to 22°C. Humidity will remain between 75 and 85 per cent during the day before falling to between 40 and 50 per cent later in the evening. Winds on Thursday are expected to blow from the northeast/southeast direction before shifting to southwesterly.

Precautionary measures advised

The Met Office has warned citizens to remain cautious and take necessary precautions as the rain-bearing system moves through the region. The forecast of moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of the city has raised concerns about potential disruptions ahead of the Eid festivities, with the weather department advising residents to stay updated on the latest weather bulletins.

The rainy spell is part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of the country, with the westerly wave also expected to bring showers to other parts of Sindh during this period. The PMD's forecast indicates that the wet weather is likely to persist through Thursday before conditions begin to change heading into Friday.

Karachi residents preparing for Eid celebrations have been advised to factor in the possibility of thunderstorms and heavy rain over the next two days as the city braces for the weather system moving through southern Sindh.