KARACHI – The provincial capital has set a new rainfall record for the month of April, surpassing a high set over four decades ago, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Breaking the 1985 Record
Data released by the PMD confirms that Karachi received 38.6 mm of rain within a 24-hour period. This surpasses the previous historical peak of 37.0 mm recorded back in 1985, officially making it the wettest April day in 41 years.
Unusual Cold Spell
The torrential rain has brought a significant drop in mercury, leaving the city unusually chilly for this time of year. Last night, the minimum temperature dropped to 16°C, which is 5.8°C lower than the standard average. Typically, Karachi’s average minimum temperature for April stands at 21.8°C, but the recent rain has drastically altered the local climate.
Weather Timeline
The rainy spell, triggered by a potent western weather system, began on the morning of Thursday, April 2. While the city saw light showers early on, the intensity increased significantly by the afternoon, leading to widespread waterlogging in several areas. Intermittent heavy rain continued well into the night, maintaining the cold grip over the city.
Fact Check: The recent downpour has not only broken a four-decade-old precipitation record but has also shifted the city’s climate dynamics for the week, providing citizens a rare respite from the usual April heat.
