December 19, 2008	Friday	Zilhaj 20, 1429

KARACHI, Dec 18: Citizens of Karachi were treated to some winter rain on Thursday as a western depression made its way across the country, causing light to moderate rainfall across Pakistan.

At least three millimetres of rainfall was recorded at the Quaid-i-Azam International Airport by the Pakistan Meteorological department, with Chief Meteorologist of the National Seismic Monitoring Centre Mohammad Riaz saying that light to moderate rainfall was experienced across the city.

The Met department expects similar rainfall, ranging from a drizzle to short bursts of moderate rain, to occur over the next 24 hours, following which the depression is expected to move further north, causing rain in northeastern Punjab and NWFP.

The lowest temperature in Karachi on Thursday was a pleasant 18 degrees Celsius, with a high of 24 degrees and relative humidity of 82 per cent. The Met department expects temperatures to drop further as the depression leaves Sindh. The lowest recorded temperature in December so far this year has been 11.5 degrees Celsius, measured on Dec 13, as opposed to the all time low of just 2 degrees, recorded on Dec 30, 1932.

Meanwhile, the rain in the interior of Sindh brought some respite to wheat farmers, as it helped to water their crops during a season where water shortages were predicted.

In other parts, notably the Parco oil spill in Korangi, Karachi, the rain was less welcome, as it made repair and rehabilitation work difficult, according to officials of the City District Government Karachi.

Complaints of electricity breakdowns also came in following the onset of rain, though KESC officials were unavailable for comment on the matter.—AH