PMD forecasts widespread rain across Sindh, warns of urban flooding

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecast widespread rain accompanied by dust and thunderstorms across several districts of Sindh until July 27, warning of possible urban flooding in low-lying areas due to isolated heavy downpours.

According to the Met Office, a low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining regions, coupled with strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, is influencing weather conditions across southern and central parts of Pakistan.

The PMD said moderate to heavy rain is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad districts from Friday through July 27, with occasional gaps.

Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are also likely in Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze and Thatta during the same period.

The department warned that windstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards. It also cautioned that heavy rainfall may trigger urban flooding in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari and Shaheed Benazirabad districts.

The PMD advised farmers to plan agricultural activities in line with the weather forecast and ensure the safety of their livestock. It added that the prevailing hot and humid conditions are likely to ease during the forecast period.

For Karachi, the Met Office forecast partly cloudy, warm and humid weather with chances of thunderstorms on the city’s outskirts, while light rain or drizzle is expected at isolated places over the weekend.

The port city’s minimum temperature is expected to remain around 28°C over the weekend, while the maximum is likely to reach 37°C.