Karachi swelters in heat wave, Peshawar gets heavy rain

KARACHI/PESHAWAR: Karachi has been gripped by a severe heat wave, with temperatures soaring to 40°C, feeling like 50°C due to high humidity.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned residents to exercise caution when going outside, as the city continues to experience sweltering conditions.

Earlier forecasts predicted Karachi’s maximum temperature could reach 41°C, with the possibility of dust-thunderstorms and light rain in some areas. The PMD anticipates a decrease in temperature starting tomorrow, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and rain from Thursday to Friday. The sea breeze, which had halted, is expected to resume by tomorrow evening.

Meanwhile, other areas in Sindh, including Tharparker, Umerkot, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Thatta, Sujawal, and Jamshoro, are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall from today until July 20. Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Aallah Yar, Mitiari, Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Nausharo Feroze, and Shaheed Benazirabad will also likely experience similar weather conditions during this period.

Meanwhile, Peshawar experienced a dramatic shift in weather as a severe heat wave was tempered by torrential rain accompanied by gale-force winds. Black clouds suddenly appeared in the afternoon, followed by strong winds and heavy rainfall, making the weather pleasant.

Earlier, the Met Office had said that rain and thundershowers were expected from the evening of July 16 to July 21, impacting areas such as Peshawar, Mardan and Abbottabad.

The PMD has said that moderate monsoon currents are expected to penetrate from the Arabian Sea into the country from July 16. This weather system will bring rain, wind, and thundershowers to various regions.

The Met Office said that rain and thundershowers are expected in Kashmir from the evening of July 16 to July 21 with intermittent gaps; rain and thundershowers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore and other areas from July 17 to July 20; rain and thundershowers in the north and eastern parts of Balochistan from July 17 to July 19 and rain and thundershowers in several districts of Sindh from July 18 to 19.

According to the Met Office, heavy rainfall may increase inflows in local streams and nullahs in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, and Kashmir from July 17 to July 19 while urban flooding may pose a risk in low-lying areas of Punjab and lower Sindh on July 18 and 19. It has predicted cloudy weather in Gilgit-Baltistan with rain in isolated areas.

Landslides may disrupt roads in hilly areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, it said.

The Met Office said that daily routines may be affected by heavy downpours, windstorms, and lightning, potentially causing damage to weak structures, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.

Farmers have been advised to manage their activities according to the weather forecast while travelers and tourists has been asked to remain cautious and plan their trips according to weather conditions to avoid any untoward situations.

The Met Office has asked the authorities concerned to remain alert and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.