Westerly wave brings lightning, crop damage risk as PMD issues warning for multiple districts across province
Strong winds and rain lash parts of Karachi, dampening Eid celebrations on Saturday, 21st March 2026.
KARACHI:
A westerly wave is continuing to affect most parts of the country, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms and rain of light to moderate intensity across several districts of Sindh on Saturday.
According to an advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday, the weather system is expected to bring thunderstorms with light to moderate rain in Jamshoro, Dadu, Kambar Shahdad Kot, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Sukkur, Ghotki, Badin, Umerkot and Tharparkar districts, as well as Karachi Division.
The department warned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may damage weak structures, including electric poles, billboards and solar panels, during the forecast period. Lightning strikes may also occur at isolated places, while hailstorms and windstorms pose a risk to standing crops.
Farmers have been advised to manage their crops in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions.
Read: Thunderstorms, strong winds expected in Karachi today as western system approaches
For Karachi specifically, the Met Office has issued a three-day forecast. Friday is expected to remain mostly sunny with maximum temperatures between 32 and 34°C and a minimum of 24°C, with northwesterly winds shifting west/southwesterly.
Saturday will see partly cloudy skies with chances of isolated wind, thunderstorm and rain, temperatures ranging between 31 and 33°C, and humidity levels rising to between 75 and 85% in the morning. By Sunday, conditions are forecast to remain mostly cloudy with temperatures easing further to between 30 and 32°C and humidity levels between 65 and 75% in the morning.
The PMD forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country from March 24 to March 30, warning of heavy downpours, hailstorms and possible flash floods in several regions as a strong weather system moves in.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Met Office said, “A western disturbance is likely to approach southwestern parts of Balochistan on March 24 (evening/night) and likely to intensify from the night of March 27 and may persist till March 31.”
Read More: NDMA warns of nationwide rain, thunderstorms over next 24 hours
On Tuesday, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah directed authorities across the province to remain on high alert and ensure pre-emptive arrangements to handle any emergency ahead of the expected rain spell.
The chief secretary directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue an advisory immediately and maintain effective coordination with all relevant departments.
He also called for an effective public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the potential situation and necessary precautionary measures.
