Sindh schools, colleges to remain closed till Saturday due to rain emergency

— AFP/File

KARACHI: All government and private across Sindh will remain closed on Friday and Saturday (August 26-27) amid warnings of heavy rainfall, the education department has announced. “Government and private educational institutions will remain closed for next two days on  August 26 and  27, due to rain emergency,” the notification issued by the provincial department read. The decision regarding school closure was taken by the Provincial Education Minister Sardar Shah due to a rain emergency and rain forecast. In a statement, the minister said: "There is still a flood situation in many districts of Sindh and most of the schools and colleges of Sindh are underwater and have been turned into relief campuses for the victims." Two days ago, in view of the misery caused by the rains and the latest Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) advisory, the Government of Sindh had announced the closure of schools and colleges across the province for two days (Wednesday and Thursday). The move was followed the Board of Intermediate Education (BIEK), Karachi, announcing the postponement of exams scheduled for August 24 and 25.

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More than 10 million Americans under flood alerts Saturday

The majority of Arizona and New Mexico are under flood watches through Saturday night, leaving more than 10 million Americans on alert.

Several flash flood warnings were issued Saturday where consistent rains created life-threatening flooding. These warnings are generally in western Arizona, and over El Paso, Texas.

Another 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible in parts of Arizona and New Mexico -- mostly through Saturday, although some additional rain will still fall on Sunday.

A driveway into a home in the Paintbrush corridor suffers from erosion after persistent flooding, Aug. 19, 2022, in Flagstaff, Ariz. Antranik Tavitian/The Republic via USA Today Network

The only way to break an extreme drought is by way of rain -- but when you get too much rain it can quickly become dangerous. In the case of parts of Texas, extreme drought may meet extreme rain in the coming days.

Much of Texas is expected to see days of rain this week, with the bulk of this rain falling Sunday to Wednesday. In the week ahead, anywhere from 1 to 10 inches is possible in parts of Texas.

While it is unlikely Dallas will see 10 inches of rainfall, it is interesting to note the city has only received 3.5 inches this summer, and only 13 inches this year -- putting it in a 10-inch deficit year-to-date compared to an average year.

Given the exceptional drought in Texas, more than 25% of the state is under watch for exceptional drought, the most critical drought possible.

Dry ground will act as concrete and if the rains come too quickly, flooding will occur. However, if the rain can take its time and allow the parches surface to slowly become porous again, it will be very beneficial without the life-threatening flooding.

The National Hurricane Center has given a 50% chance the tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico will become a named tropical storm on Saturday. If named, it will be Danielle, the fourth named storm of the season, the first since Colin in early July.

This storm is expected to make landfall in Mexico early Saturday evening, just south of Texas, and bring life-threatening flooding to Mexico.

Southern Texas is expected to receive 1 to 4 inches of rainfall as far north as Corpus Christi. This may create issues with flash, urban and small stream flooding.

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