Light rain has begun to fall over several districts of Karachi, offering a brief respite from the city's usual humidity, even as forecasters warn of more intense weather in the coming days. The showers, which hit Gulshan-i-Maymar, Gulshan-i-Hadeed, Super Highway, and surrounding areas, mark the start of a wet spell expected to last through Monday. Main Developments The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast for light to moderate rain accompanied by dust and thunderstorms in Karachi from Saturday through August 3. Occasional gaps in the precipitation are expected, but the system is likely to bring intermittent downpours. Beyond the port city, the PMD anticipates moderate to heavy rainfall in several districts of Sindh, including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, and Hyderabad. Other areas such as Ghotki, Sukkur, Larkana, and Thatta are also expected to receive rain with dust and thunderstorms. Read also: PML-N stalwart Channar dies at 76: 5 key facts Background The current wet spell is linked to a westerly wave currently affecting northern parts of the country, which is likely to strengthen and spread its influence over upper and central regions. This system is the same one driving the widespread rainfall across Sindh, with Karachi sitting on its southern edge. Karachi has experienced varying monsoon activity in recent weeks, with earlier spells bringing both relief and urban flooding. The city's drainage infrastructure often struggles with heavy downpours, making forecasts like this critical for residents and authorities alike. Why It Matters For Karachi's millions of residents, the forecast signals potential disruptions to daily life, from traffic snarls to power outages, especially if rain intensifies. The broader Sindh forecast also carries implications for agriculture and infrastructure in rural districts, where heavy rain can damage crops or overwhelm drainage systems. Timely warnings from the PMD allow local authorities to prepare emergency responses, but the city's vulnerability to waterlogging remains a persistent concern. Each monsoon season tests the resilience of Karachi's infrastructure and the effectiveness of its disaster management plans. What's Next Residents should expect cloudy conditions with a chance of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds through Monday, according to the PMD. Maximum temperatures in Karachi are predicted to stay between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius on Saturday, offering some relief from the usual summer heat. Authorities are likely to monitor the situation closely, particularly in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. The PMD's forecast will be updated as the westerly wave evolves, and further advisories may be issued if conditions change.