KARACHI: Light to moderate rain hit Karachi early Tuesday morning, turning the weather pleasant. The Met Office, however, warned of heavy showers and thunderstorms in the upper parts of the country, including Islamabad.
In Karachi, rain was reported on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Shah Faisal Colony, Airport, and Model Colony. Showers also fell on II Chundrigar Road, Defence, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Nazimabad, and nearby areas.
A day earlier, analysts had predicted moderate rain with thunder in the city. Heavy downpours are expected Tuesday and Wednesday in Karachi. According to forecasts, the system, active till August 23, may bring two to three more spells. Most areas could see 40–50mm of rain, while some may record 70–80mm. In isolated spots, rainfall could touch 100mm. Officials also warned of possible urban flooding in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, K-Electric advised citizens to exercise caution during rains and strong winds. The utility said unsafe use of water pumps in standing water could cause accidents. Residents have been urged to stay away from TV and internet cables, broken wires, and electrical installations. Illegal connections and the use of hooks (kundas) can also lead to fatal accidents, it added. In some areas, electricity may be temporarily suspended as a precaution.
Lahore swelters
In Lahore, heat and humidity continued to trouble citizens. The Met Office reported a temperature of 30°C with 86 percent humidity. The mercury is expected to rise to 33°C during the day, with rain likely at night.
Heavy rains forecast across Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains and thunderstorms across the country. Rain with strong winds is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, and Gujrat. Showers are also likely in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, and other districts of Punjab.
In southern Punjab, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur are expected to receive rain. Sindh will also see showers in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, and other cities.
In Balochistan, Zhob, Musakhel, Mastung, Loralai, Khuzdar, Gwadar, Kech, and Pasni are likely to receive rainfall. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts, including Chitral, Swat, Malakand, Mardan, Peshawar, and Waziristan, are also on alert.
Meanwhile, rain with thunderstorms is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
