KARACHI:

Heavy rainfall swept across Karachi early on Thursday under the influence of a new western weather system, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature and prompting authorities to issue warnings, with more rain forecast.

Dark clouds blanket the city in the early hours, followed by steady showers across multiple areas, disrupting routine life and causing difficulties for commuters travelling to offices and educational institutions.

Rain is recorded in several localities, including Defence, Saddar, Keamari, Clifton, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Malir, Gulistan-e-Johar, Tariq Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Met Complex and Baldia.

The Meteorological Department says the new western system is gradually entering the country through Balochistan, with rain accompanied by thunder and lightning expected in the city throughout the day.

Heavy rainfall is likely in some parts of the city, with strong winds also expected during the spell. Authorities warn that gusty winds and dust storms may pose a risk to weak structures.

Read: Thunderstorms, strong winds expected in Karachi today as western system approaches

Rainfall data shows 1mm recorded at PAF Base Faisal and 2.0mm at Jinnah Terminal.

The department says similar weather conditions are expected on Friday in Karachi and parts of rural Sindh, with the system likely to persist until April 4.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government urges citizens to remain cautious. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon says advance arrangements have been made, staff leave has been cancelled, and additional dewatering pumps have been installed to ensure timely drainage in low-lying areas.

He says choking points across the city had already been identified, with staff deployed and extra pumps installed for monitoring, while relevant provincial and municipal authorities have been placed on high alert and directed to remain in the field.

Read more: Widespread rain, thunderstorms expected across country from April 1: PMD

He adds that ensuring citizens’ safety is the government’s responsibility and advises the public to take precautionary measures and contact relevant institutions in case of emergency.

The latest radar indicates heavy downpour over the northern parts of the city, with some isolated hail reported.

Heavy rain warning issued across K-P

In Peshawar, the Meteorological Department on Thursday issued a warning of severe weather across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa from today until April 4, with heavy rain likely to trigger flash floods in local streams and landslides in mountainous areas.

Strong winds, dust storms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, including electricity poles, billboards, solar panels and standing crops. Tourists and travellers are advised to avoid unnecessary travel.

Rain with thunderstorms is expected in multiple districts, while some areas may also experience heavy rainfall and hail. Snowfall is likely over high mountains.

Rainfall recorded a day earlier includes 21mm in Dera Ismail Khan, 17mm in Parachinar and 9mm in Bannu. The highest temperature is recorded at 30°C in Dera Ismail Khan and the lowest at 4°C in Kalam.