Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms lashed Karachi on Wednesday, disrupting daily life, causing power outages, and slowing traffic across several parts of the city.

The sudden change in weather brought a sharp drop in temperature and turned conditions pleasant, but also triggered widespread disruption.

Torrential rain was reported in central areas including Gurumandar, Saddar and I.I. Chundrigar Road, as well as Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Bahadurabad, Tariq Road and Sharea Faisal.

Showers with thunder and lightning also hit Sachal Goth, Safoora and University Road, while North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad and Surjani Town experienced rain coupled with gusty winds and dust storms.

In Defence, Clifton, Cantt, Airport, Railway Colony and Delhi Colony, rainfall with strong winds provided temporary relief from heat but added to urban disruption.

Electricity supply was suspended in multiple localities following the downpour, leaving residents facing difficulties. Accumulated rainwater on key arteries and strong winds further affected traffic flow, slowing vehicle movement at several points.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier forecast rain and thunderstorms for Karachi and other parts of Sindh under the influence of a westerly weather system.

According to the Met Office, the system is affecting western parts of the country and is expected to bring rain, strong winds and isolated hailstorms to several districts, including Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Mitiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Naushehro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu, along with the Karachi division.

The PMD warned that moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall may occur in isolated areas during this period.

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures, particularly in low-lying areas, as the weather system continues to impact the region.