Heavy to moderate rains lashed parts of Karachi on Monday evening, turning the city’s weather gloomy amid fresh warnings of “very heavy downpours” and thunderstorms that could trigger urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a powerful monsoon system is currently maintaining its intensity as a deep depression over land, centred near Tharparkar, and is expected to pass close to Karachi on Tuesday. The Met Office has cautioned that strong winds, ranging from 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, are also likely during the ongoing spell.
Several localities received varying levels of rain during the 5pm–8am spell from Sunday to Monday. Korangi recorded the highest rainfall at 8mm, followed by Gulshan-e-Hadeed at 5mm. Other notable readings included Gulshan-e-Memar 3.5mm, University Road 3mm, Shahrah-e-Faisal 2mm, Old Airport 2.6mm, Keamari 4mm, Jinnah Terminal 3mm, Surjani Town 2mm, DHA 1.5mm, and North Karachi 1.2mm.
On Monday evening, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal and adjoining areas, along with several blocks of Gulistan-e-Johar, witnessed moderate to heavy showers, disrupting traffic flow in some pockets.
Read More: Floodwaters reach Multan’s tehsils, putting the city at risk
PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir warned that this system could deliver over 100 millimetres of rain in Karachi during the spell, heightening the risk of urban flooding due to the city’s fragile drainage infrastructure. He added that low-lying areas are especially vulnerable to inundation, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid weak structures during intense downpours.
The weather system is expected to affect multiple districts, including Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Thatta, Badin, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Tando Allahyar, with the possibility of rain extending into parts of Balochistan. Torrential hill streams could also form in the mountainous regions of Dadu, the Met Office cautioned.
Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said provincial authorities are on high alert, with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) staff and machinery deployed across key areas. She added that a decision on school closures would be taken after reviewing advisories from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and PMD.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inspected Clifton’s Nehr-e-Khayyam outfall, Tariq Road underpass, and Drigh Road underpass to ensure drainage systems were functioning. “High tides could make drainage challenging, but we are prepared,” Wahab assured, adding that the situation is under control with teams on the ground.
Authorities have urged citizens to restrict unnecessary movement during the expected heavy downpour. With the Karachi heavy rain alert in place, residents are advised to exercise caution, avoid waterlogged streets, and stay informed through official weather updates.
