KARACHI: A powerful rain spell has broken a 41-year-old record in Karachi, bringing an unusual winter-like chill and widespread disruption, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recording 38.7 millimetres of rainfall in just 24 hours.

The downpour surpassed the previous April record of 37mm set on April 2, 1985, marking one of the most intense early spring rain events in the city’s history.

Temperatures dropped significantly following the rain, with the minimum recorded at 16°C — around 5.8°C below the seasonal average of 21.8°C — leaving residents experiencing unusually cool conditions for April.

According to the Met Office, the westerly weather system responsible for the rains is gradually moving southeast, though its effects are expected to persist in other parts of the country until April 4. Karachi is likely to see partly cloudy conditions with light rain or drizzle, with no further heavy rainfall expected.

The severe weather turned deadly, with at least seven people losing their lives over the past two days. A man died from electrocution in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, while five others lost their lives in similar incidents in areas including Surjani Town, PIB Colony and near MA Jinnah Road.

In a separate incident, a wall collapse in Old Golimar killed a rickshaw driver, while another collapse in Orangi Town left three children injured, who were shifted to hospital by rescue teams.

The heavy rain, which began on Thursday morning and continued intermittently into Friday, caused significant urban flooding in several low-lying areas, particularly Safoora Chowrangi and Hassan Square.

Major roads remained inundated for hours, leading to severe traffic congestion, while widespread power outages were reported as multiple electricity feeders tripped across the city.

Rainfall data showed that Nazimabad recorded the highest precipitation at 97.4mm, followed by Keamari with 76mm and Surjani Town with 67mm. Other areas, including DHA, Orangi Town and Jinnah Terminal, also received substantial rainfall.

The impact of the weather system extended beyond Karachi, with areas such as Mohenjo-Daro recording 50mm of rain, while Jacobabad, Dadu and Hyderabad also reported showers.

Authorities said efforts were underway to drain accumulated rainwater and restore normal traffic flow, while emergency teams remained on alert as the weather system continues to move through the region.