Karachi – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a strong alert for Karachi, warning that the city could face severe weather conditions tomorrow, including heavy downpours, strong winds, and the risk of urban flooding.
According to PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir, the monsoon system currently active over Sindh has intensified into a “deep depression”—a critical stage that often precedes the formation of a tropical cyclone. The system’s center is presently located over Tharparkar, but it is gradually expanding its influence toward Karachi.
Explaining the potential impact, Nazir said that such weather systems are capable of generating winds blowing at 60 to 70 kilometers per hour, which, when combined with torrential rains, could cause significant disruptions in the city. “This deep depression system has the capacity to produce heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly in Karachi by this afternoon and tomorrow as it passes close to the city,” he stated.
The PMD forecast indicates that Karachi could receive more than 100 millimeters of rainfall during this spell, raising serious concerns about flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Nazir further warned that the city’s fragile infrastructure makes it especially vulnerable. “The poor state of roads and drainage systems means that water is likely to accumulate on streets, causing urban flooding, while several neighborhoods may remain waterlogged for hours,” he explained.
Highlighting the risks, the PMD has urged residents to exercise maximum caution. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during rain, stay away from weak or under-construction buildings, and remain indoors when rainfall intensifies. “Residents must keep away from unsafe infrastructure and avoid venturing into flood-prone areas. During spells of heavy rain, it is safest to remain inside homes,” Nazir advised.
The department has also emphasized that tomorrow could bring the most severe phase of rainfall, as the monsoon system will pass near Karachi. This proximity is expected to increase rainfall intensity and worsen the overall situation in the city. “Tomorrow, the weather situation in Karachi is likely to remain disturbed, with a high chance of heavy downpours and related disruptions,” Nazir added.
The forecast has renewed concerns about Karachi’s chronic urban flooding problem. Each monsoon season, residents face prolonged waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, traffic chaos, and health risks due to stagnant water. Civic agencies have often struggled to cope, with storm-water drains clogged by encroachments and waste.
The PMD’s early warnings are an attempt to ensure that both authorities and residents remain prepared. Emergency response units, dewatering pumps, and rescue teams are expected to be deployed, but whether they can cope with the intensity of rain remains uncertain.
With over 100 millimeters of rain expected, experts caution that Karachi’s urban flooding challenge could worsen, particularly in low-lying areas such as Saddar, Gulistan-e-Johar, Korangi, and parts of North Karachi. Traffic disruption, power outages, and potential damage to property are likely if the system maintains its current strength.
The coming 48 hours will therefore be crucial, not just as a test of Karachi’s disaster preparedness, but also as a stark reminder of the urgent need for long-term urban planning and climate resilience measures in Pakistan’s largest city.
