Weather specialists predict the onset of the monsoon in Karachi by early July, driven by medium-level atmospheric pressure over the Arabian Sea, which is expected on June 30. It is expected to bring the first rainfall of the season to the city in the first week of July.
Monsoon rains are anticipated across Pakistan from June 27 to July 4, with the southern Sindh region, including Karachi, likely receiving higher-than-usual rainfall. Yet experts label this a long-term forecast subject to change.
Previously, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted very hot and dry conditions for most country plains during the day. Nevertheless, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, the Potohar region, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may see gusty winds, windstorms, and isolated rain-thunderstorms in the evening and night. Karachi might experience drizzle by late Wednesday night, though generally hot and humid weather is expected over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, India faces potential agricultural challenges with projected below-normal rainfall in June. Summer rains crucial for farming are typically expected from June 1, spreading across the country by July 8. However, the slow monsoon progression this year raises concerns.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates less than 92% of the long-term average rainfall, with most regions, except for some in the south, experiencing rainfall deficits. This shortfall is significant as monsoon rains are vital for India’s agriculture, essential for recharging reservoirs and supporting the nearly $3.5 trillion economy.