The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain and thunderstorms with strong winds for Karachi on Wednesday, March 18, as a westerly weather system enters the western parts of the country.
The rain spell is expected to continue into Thursday, with chances of isolated hailstorms.
According to the Met Office, this system will also bring rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to several districts across Sindh, including Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, and surrounding areas, with some locations likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Karachi is among the affected regions.
In northern Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, and Jacobabad, similar weather conditions are expected, though with occasional breaks during March 18 and 19.
The department has warned of possible lightning strikes in isolated areas during this period and advised farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops.
Temperatures are expected to range between 21°C and 35°C over the next few days.
The PMD also noted that this weather pattern is part of a broader system affecting multiple regions of the country from March 17 to 20, with more rain, wind, and thunderstorms expected, particularly in Balochistan and adjoining areas.
Light to moderate rain has hit Islamabad and Rawalpindi on earlier today, turning the weather chilly in both cities.
The rain started at 05:00 am on March 18 (today). Clouds have been present over the twin cities since last night, and intermittent rainfall has further helped in easing the weather conditions.
Previously, the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted rain with heavy winds and thunderstorms in several cities of the country.
The Meteorological Department further said another westerly system is likely to move in the western regions of the country on the night of March 17, which will also cause another spell of rainfall.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has predicted the preference margin that ending up that Shawwal moon is unlikely to be sighted on March 19. As a result, Eid-ul-fitr will fall on March 21, subject to the confirmation of moon-sighting.
