Karachi was greeted with much-needed rainfall on the first day of Eid ul Fitr, as intermittent showers accompanied by thunder and lightning swept across various parts of the sprawling metropolis. The rain brought a welcome respite from the intense heat that had gripped the city in recent days, transforming the weather into a more pleasant and cooler atmosphere during the early hours of Saturday. Residents across multiple localities experienced varying intensities of rainfall, ranging from light drizzles to heavy downpours.
The areas of Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Saddar, and the vicinity of II Chundrigar Road saw consistent rain showers throughout the morning, with some spots enduring heavier bursts. Federal B Area was also hit by strong winds alongside heavy rain, adding to the dramatic weather conditions. Meanwhile, Malir Halt, Rifa-e-Aam, and neighboring neighborhoods reported significant downpours accompanied by thunderclaps and flashes of lightning, creating an electrifying yet refreshing ambiance. Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Gulistan-e-Johar were not spared either, as clouds blanketed the skies and intermittent showers continued to fall.
However, the rain was not without its drawbacks. In Defence View, the onset of rainfall was quickly followed by power outages, causing inconvenience for residents already preparing for Eid festivities. Additionally, water accumulation was observed in low-lying areas of Saddar and surrounding localities, leading to localized flooding. The persistent showers worsened traffic conditions, as many roads became inundated, particularly those already suffering from potholes and poor maintenance. Near Nipa Chowrangi, the buildup of rainwater severely disrupted traffic flow, prompting the town administration to initiate drainage efforts to alleviate the situation. Similarly, waterlogged sections of University Road, including the area around Hassan Square, added to the challenges faced by commuters on this festive day.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a forecast predicting continued thunderstorms over Karachi throughout the day. The Met Office highlighted that the rain would help reduce the prevailing heat intensity, with maximum temperatures expected to hover around 31 degrees Celsius. They further indicated that intermittent rainfall would persist until nightfall, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable environment. Looking ahead, the skies over Karachi are anticipated to remain cloudy on the second and third days of Eid, prolonging the relief from the recent heatwave.
PMD data, Jinnah Terminal recorded the highest rainfall at 13.22 millimeters, followed closely by Gulshan-e-Iqbal with 11.4mm and PAF Masroor Base registering 11mm. Other notable rainfall measurements included 10.8mm at the Old Airport area, 9.7mm in Nazimabad, 8mm at Faisal Base, 4mm in Korangi, and 2.6mm in Surjani Town. Interestingly, just a day prior, the Met Office had forecasted dry conditions for Karachi over the next 24 hours, but the arrival of a westerly weather system altered the outlook, bringing rain and thunderstorms particularly to the city’s outskirts on Eid’s first day.
Beyond Karachi, the Met Office also predicted rainfall across other parts of Sindh on Eid, including cities such as Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Hyderabad, and along the coastal belt. The department cautioned about the possibility of lightning strikes during these showers, urging residents to exercise caution. Additional districts expected to see rain include Kamber Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jamshoro, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Dadu. Farmers in these regions have been advised to adjust their crop management practices in line with the prevailing weather conditions to minimize potential damage.
As for the coming days, the Karachi division forecast suggests that the sky will remain predominantly cloudy on the second day of Eid, with partly cloudy conditions expected on the third day. Temperatures are predicted to range between 17 to 19 degrees Celsius during the night on Saturday, with morning humidity levels between 80% and 90%, dropping to 50% to 60% by evening. On Sunday, the mercury is expected to rise slightly, with maximum temperatures reaching between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will hover between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. Winds are forecast to blow from the west to southwesterly directions on both days.
Looking further ahead, the Met Office has indicated the potential arrival of another westerly wind system between March 24 and 27, which could bring additional rainfall to Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Meanwhile, Punjab is also expected to experience rain, with several districts including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal forecast to receive showers. Cities like Jhelum, Hafizabad, Lahore, and Dera Ghazi Khan may also see some rain, with the possibility of hail in certain areas. Lahore recorded 8mm of rain on Thursday, and its maximum temperature is expected to remain around 23 degrees Celsius, providing some relief from the recent warm spell.
