Rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lashed several parts of the city early on the first day of Eid ul Fitr. The downpour, which intensified at intervals, turned the festive morning into a wet and chaotic affair, forcing many citizens to alter their plans as movement became difficult in several areas.
Rainfall was reported in multiple localities, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area and PIB Colony, where heavy showers continued with thunderstorms. Gulshan-e-Hadeed also witnessed rain with thunder and lightning, while strong winds were recorded in several parts of the city.
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In view of the ongoing rain, Eid prayers at Polo Ground were cancelled, while muddy conditions created difficulties for citizens heading to Eidgahs. Many open-air congregations were either delayed or disrupted due to continuous showers.
Waterlogging was reported at key locations, including University Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Hassan Square, Nipa Chowrangi, Old Sabzi Mandi, Liaquatabad No 10 and Gurumandir, causing disruption to traffic and movement.
According to the PMD, the highest rainfall was recorded at Jinnah Terminal Airport at 13.2 mm. Other areas included Gulshan-e-Hadeed (11.4 mm), PAF Base Masroor (11 mm), Old Airport (10.8 mm), Nazimabad (Paposh) (9.7 mm), PAF Base Faisal (8 mm), Korangi (4 mm) and Surjani Town (2.6 mm), while the lowest rainfall was recorded on the M-9 motorway at 2.2 mm.
The PMD said a western weather system is affecting large parts of Pakistan, with rain and thunderstorms expected across several districts of Sindh, including Karachi. Rainfall accompanied by strong winds is likely in districts such as Larkana, Sukkur, Hyderabad and Thatta, with some areas also expected to experience storms and lightning.
“On Sunday and Monday, the skies over the city are expected to remain partly to mostly cloudy,” the PMD said.
The department also predicted maximum temperatures in Karachi to range between 28°C and 30°C. There is a possibility of lightning strikes in certain locations, and farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures.