ISLAMABAD/LAHORE/KARACHI: Rain was reported in upper parts of Pakistan, as showers continued under the monsoon spell on Sunday. The Karachi weatherman has predicted rain in the city on June 22, however, the first spell will start in the first week of July.

“Generally the weather in Karachi is partly cloudy and humid. Rains are predicted in Sindh’s Sukkur, Jacobabad and Larkana on the night of June 21 [Tuesday]. And, most areas of the province, including Karachi, will have partly cloudy weather and pre-monsoon rains will fall on June 22,” Karachi weatherman Dr Sardar Sarfaraz told Aaj News on Sunday.

Hot and dry weather had engulfed the country for the past three to four months, with record temperatures and illnesses like cholera, diarrhoea, and fever. The heatwave coupled with hours-long shedding had made it difficult for the people to beat the hot weather.

Sarfaraz dispelled the belief that the Sindh’s metropolitan city has a “stress environment”, saying that Karachi is on the edge of the sea and the monsoon air travels from Gujrat to Karachi. Over the last three years, the Met Office prediction of rains in Karachi has been correct.

“Partly cloudy weather with rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir and northeast Balochistan. Heavy falls and hailstorms may also occur at a few places during the period. Hot and humid weather is likely in other parts of the country,” said the PMD forecast for Monday.

Urban flooding

He was of the view that chances of urban flooding could not be ruled out in Karachi in case of above-normal rainfall, where the city can receive rain up to 50mm to 60mm. “A season comprises three months.”

The possibility of extreme hydro-meteorological events over catchment areas cannot be ruled out, which may generate riverine floods in the major rivers, according to the outlook for monsoon.

Punjab

Rain in different parts of Punjab has caused power outages and stagnant water due to stuck sewerage lines. Jalalpur Pirwala, Ahmedpur Sial, Jahanian, Shujabad, Chishtian, Kot Addu, and Khanewal received downpour.

At least two women and a minor were crushed to death after the wall of the two houses collapsed due to heavy rain in the Layyah district. Six people, including three children, were injured.

Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz has issued instructions to the authorities for projects, including solar water plants, and canal water supply to overcome water shortage in Cholistan.