Sindh announces half-day for Karachi offices tomorrow amid rain forecast

The Sindh government has announced a half-day for government and private offices in Karachi as the port city is expected to receive heavy rain coupled with thunderstorm tomorrow (Friday).

"Though preparations have been made, as a matter of abundant precaution, it has been decided in meeting presided by CM that tomorrow will be a half day for offices in Karachi division from 2 PM," Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab said in a post on X.

He also requested citizens to "avoid unnecessary movement to avert any inconvenience" during the rain.

In the meeting, CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah decided to declare a rain-emergency in the province.

 "Local bodies, administrations and hospitals are also put on high alert ahead of the expected rain," CM Sindh's spokesperson said.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) said that heavy rain with thunderstorm is expected to hit Sindh, including Karachi, from March 1 (tomorrow).

In its weather advisory, the Met Office said heavy rain coupled with wind and thunderstorms is expected in Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Thatta and other cities under the strong westerly wave system.

However, weather analyst Jawad Memon said the port city is expected to receive heavy rainfall from March 1 (Friday) to March 4 (Monday).

Isolated hailstorms in some parts of Karachi are also likely during the period, he added.