Karachi braces for drizzle as rain sweeps other cities

PMD forecasts humid conditions and light drizzle in Karachi, while heavy rain triggers emergency measures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and cools Mansehra.

Karachi braces for drizzle as rain sweeps other cities
Karachi braces for drizzle as rain sweeps other cities

KARACHI: Karachi is expected to remain warm and humid, with partly cloudy skies and a chance of light drizzle at night and during the early morning, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The city recorded a minimum temperature of 27.3 C, while the current temperature was 28 C. The maximum is expected to reach 33-34 C.

Humidity stood at 74%, with southwesterly winds blowing at 15 kilometers per hour.

The PMD said no significant rainfall is expected in Karachi over the coming week, although brief drizzle may occur during nighttime and morning hours.

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: 

Heavy rain continued in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi to activate emergency measures and deploy staff and heavy machinery in low-lying areas.

On the directions of Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Capt. (retd.) Nadeem Nasir, WASA declared a rain emergency and canceled field staff leave to ensure a rapid response to emergencies.

WASA’s managing director said drainage operations were being monitored in the field, with heavy machinery deployed at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhoke Khabba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad.

WASA teams were also monitoring Nullah Lai and other drains across the city. Water levels in Nullah Lai reached 10.5 feet at Kattarian and 8.5 feet at Gawalmandi, according to WASA.

The PMD recorded 115 millimeters of rain at Shamsabad, while 72 mm was recorded at Pirwadhai, 64 mm at New Kattarian, 59 mm each at Bokra and Gawalmandi, 47 mm at the PMD station, 26 mm at Kacheri, 22 mm at Golra and 3 mm at Saidpur.

WASA urged residents not to throw garbage into drains or sewers or remove sewer covers, warning that such practices could obstruct drainage and create safety hazards. Residents were advised to contact the WASA emergency helpline at 1334 in case of an emergency.

This way, Rawalpindi is mentioned only where necessary, and the rainfall data doesn’t feel like a separate repeated story.

MANSEHRA:

Intermittent rain continued in Mansehra and surrounding areas, bringing cooler temperatures and relief from the heat and humidity.

Showers also affected the scenic Naran and Kaghan valleys, where cooler weather has attracted tourists seeking relief from the summer heat. Rain was also reported in Konsh Valley and Siran Valley.

According to the weather forecast, the current spell is expected to continue through Aug. 21.

JHELUM

Heavy rain in Dina, Jhelum, left roads and markets waterlogged, disrupting traffic and making movement difficult for pedestrians.

More than 2 feet of water accumulated on Mangla Road because of inadequate drainage, while nearby markets were also affected.

Residents said waterlogging on Mangla Road has been a recurring problem for years, with authorities yet to establish an effective drainage system.