Rain and hail lash parts of Karachi

KARACHI: Rain and hail, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lashed several parts of Karachi on Tuesday under the influence of a westerly weather system, bringing pleasant weather to the city.

Rainfall was reported in areas including North Karachi, Manghopir, North Nazimabad, SITE, Baldia Town, Orangi, Gulberg, and Liaquatabad. Hail was observed particularly in Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, while nearby areas experienced heavy downpours. The showers are expected to continue tonight.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (Met Office) had forecast showers with thunderstorms across Karachi due to a shallow westerly wave linked to a western disturbance approaching the country’s western regions. Its effects are expected to continue over Sindh through Tuesday.

In other parts of Sindh, cities including Sukkur, Naushahro Feroz, Mehar, Khairpur Nathan Shah, Mehrabpur, and Shahdadpur also received rain with thunderstorms. The rainfall led to a noticeable drop in temperatures and a return of cooler weather. In Sukkur, the showers caused intermittent power outages.

Meanwhile, in Balochistan, the rain and hailstorm intensified the cold weather in Quetta, and also affected Chaman, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Harnai, and Musakhel, submerging low-lying areas and flooding streams after the wet spell. Musakhel recorded hail along with rainfall.

The Met Office has warned of brief thunderstorms in Karachi accompanied by gusty winds, which may reduce visibility at times. Temperatures in the metropolis are expected to range between 17°C and 30°C over the next two days.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, especially in areas prone to flooding and low visibility during strong gusts.