KARACHI: City is gearing up for possible change in weather as Met Department predicts rain with thunder for today. Currently basking under clear and bright sunshine, city is expected to experience significant shift in conditions as monsoon winds are likely to enter eastern Sindh today. 

According to Meteorological Department, today’s maximum temperature in Karachi is forecasted to reach 34 degrees Celsius, while current temperature stands at 27 degrees Celsius. Despite sunny weather, residents are advised to prepare for possibility of rainfall, which could bring much-needed relief from heat. Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz said sixth spell of monsoon will enter Sindh from today, which is likely to bring heavy rain in province. There is no possibility of torrential rain in Karachi though, he added. Sarfraz said there is high chance of rain in suburbs, while there may be moderate to light rain in some areas of city. In addition to weather forecast, concerns about air quality in Karachi continue to rise. City has been ranked 14th among most polluted cities in world, according to Air Quality Index. Within Pakistan, Karachi holds third position among most polluted cities. 

Meanwhile, Met Department has issued broader weather advisory for various parts of Pakistan. There is chance of rain accompanied by strong winds and thunder in and around Islamabad. Rain is also expected in several other regions, including Thatta, Sukkur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Dadu and Umarkot. In Punjab, cities such as Murree, Galiyat, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Kasur, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Khushab and Sargodha are likely to experience rain. Additionally, rain is forecasted for Mianwali, Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan, Khanewal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar. Northern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Buner, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Mardan, are also expected to receive rain. Further, rain is likely in Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Bajaur, Kohat, Bannu and DI Khan. In Balochistan, areas such as Quetta, Zhob, Musakhel, Barkhan, Loralai, Kohlu, Ziarat, Kalat and Khuzdar will receive showers.