Weather Karachi Braces for Cyclone Shakti
The cyclone's potential impact on the region's weather, including the possibility of a heatwave in Sindh, has raised concerns, and officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality, with the PMD providing regular updates on the system's trajectory and expected weather patterns.
A low-pressure system in the eastern Arabian Sea has intensified and is expected to develop into a strong depression within 24 hours, potentially becoming Cyclone Shakti, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department issuing weather alerts for various regions.
The system, currently 985 km away from Karachi, is expected to move northwards towards India, posing no immediate threat to the Pakistani coastline. However, the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has advised fishermen to avoid the open sea due to high tides and potential proximity to Karachi and Sindh's coastal areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings of dust storms, thunderstorms, and rainfall across various regions, including Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The system's development is attributed to warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures, which could trigger a heatwave in Sindh, including Karachi, from May 24 to June 1.
Although there's no immediate threat to Pakistan's coastal areas, officials are monitoring the system's trajectory and warn residents to stay informed but not panic. The PMD also warned of unstable weather in the upper and central regions of the country, with a westerly wave projected to enter the upper regions on May 24, triggering widespread weather activity.
As the weather situation continues to evolve, residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings from the PMD, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.