Heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstones hit several areas of Karachi on Tuesday, disrupting daily life and leading to temporary power outages. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had warned earlier in the day that a westerly wave was affecting central and upper regions, with partly cloudy skies expected through Tuesday. The forecast predicted a maximum temperature of 25-27°C, dropping down to an estimated minimum of 18.6°C.
By Tuesday evening, rain continued to pour over various parts including Gulistan-i-Johar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, and Askari IV. In these regions, residents reported water accumulation in low-lying areas, causing inconvenience during morning commutes. Power supply was affected in some residential complexes as utility companies rushed to secure infrastructure against potential power outages caused by the rainfall.
On Wednesday (February 18) and Thursday (Feb 19), sunny days were expected throughout Karachi with PMD forecasting no significant precipitation. However, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain and gusty/dust-raising winds were predicted for districts such as Dadu, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana, Kambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Kashmore, and Khairpur. These areas could witness localized flooding or landslides due to heavy rains.
PMD advised residents in these districts to be prepared for sudden weather changes, ensuring they have essential items such as batteries, flashlights, and emergency food supplies ready to handle any unexpected occurrences.