Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Karachi; Lahore sees light showers

KARACHI/LAHORE: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds continued across Karachi on Wednesday, submerging low-lying areas and disrupting traffic, while light showers were reported in Lahore.

In Karachi, downpours were recorded in Kharadar, Lyari, Lee Market and Maripur Road, with waterlogging reported in many low-lying neighbourhoods including Saddar, North Nazimabad and Surjani Town. Showers were also reported in Sachal Goth, Safiqabad and University Road.

In Lahore, light rain fell across several areas including Kot Lakhpat, Chungi Amr Sadhu and Township.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain, wind and thunderstorms across the country from the evening of March 17 through March 20.

According to the PMD, partly cloudy to cloudy weather is expected in the upper regions, while Balochistan and adjacent areas may see heavier rain and wind during the Eid holidays. Isolated lightning strikes and hailstorms were also predicted.

The PMD has warned that hail and windstorms could damage standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, and landslides were possible in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

It has advised tourists and travelers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the period.

A westerly wave affecting most of the country is expected to persist until March 20.

According to the PMD, on Wednesday, widespread rain and thunderstorms with isolated hail were reported in Balochistan, with scattered showers in Sindh, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and Islamabad also experienced storms. Isolated heavy rainfall was recorded in southern Balochistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The PMD said that over the past 24 hours, rainfall totals (in millimeters) included: Khuzdar 34, Panjgur 25, Zhob 19, Parachinar 32, Malam Jabba 23, Rawalakot 15, Chakwal 15, and Larkana 4. Other areas across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Azad Jammu and Kashmir received lighter precipitation.

The PMD said that the weather could affect travel, transport, and agricultural activities, urging residents to remain cautious.