KARACHI: Light to moderate rainfall on the first day of Eidul Fitr brought a mix of pleasant weather and significant disruption to daily life in the city, as showers began before dawn and continued intermittently for nearly two hours after sunrise.

However, weather remained partly cloudy on Sunday, the second day of Eid, with no rain.

The Met Office said mostly dry weather is expected in the province on Monday (today). However, skies are expected to be cloudy in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions during the night, it added.

Saturday’s downpour, which lasted approximately one-and-a-half to two hours, enhanced the festive mood by bringing cooler temperatures. However, it also created challenges for the Karachiites across the city. Several roads were submerged, particularly in low-lying areas, leading to traffic congestion and slowing vehicular movement during the early hours of the day.

The impact of the rain was especially evident on Eid congregations. Many open-air prayer gatherings and Eidgah arrangements had to be cancelled due to waterlogged grounds. People instead off­ered prayers inside mos­ques.

A major congregation scheduled at Polo Ground, traditionally attended by senior officials and prominent citizens and organised by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, was also called off.

According to data released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Jinnah Terminal recorded the highest rainfall at 13.22 millimetres. Other areas also received notable precipitation, including 11.4mm in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, 11mm at PAF Masroor Base and 10.8mm in the old airport area.

Rainfall of 9.7mm was recorded in Nazimabad, while Faisal Base received 8mm. Lighter showers were reported in Korangi (4mm) and Surjani Town (2.6mm).

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited various parts of the city to review rain-related arrangements and ensure the smooth functioning of municipal services following early morning showers.

During his visit, a KMC statement said, the mayor inspected key areas, including Sharea Faisal, Karsaz, Sakhi Hassan and parts of the Central district, where rainwater accumulation had been reported. He was accompanied by municipal staff and officials overseeing drainage and sanitation operations.

Speaking to the media, the mayor said the city administration “remained fully active” despite the holiday, “ensuring that rainwater drainage and cleaning operations continued uninterrupted”.

He maintained that most areas of the city had been cleared, adding that only a few locations still had standing water, which would be removed shortly.

“The city is largely clear despite the rain and gusty winds. We will not let citizens’ Eid celebrations be affected,” the statement quoted the mayor as saying.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2026