A weather system developing over the Rann of Kutch in India is intensifying, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning of a potential cyclone that could impact the Sindh coast late tonight or tomorrow morning.
In a statement released by the PMD at 10 AM today, it was noted that the deep depression, which has been moving slowly west/southwest over the past 12 hours, is now positioned approximately 270 kilometers east/southeast of Karachi. The system is expected to move towards the northeast Arabian Sea, near the Sindh coast, by late tonight or early tomorrow.
Given the “favourable environmental conditions,” the PMD predicts that the depression will intensify into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow. The storm is expected to initially move in a west/southwest direction, posing a significant threat to the coastal areas of Sindh.
The PMD has issued warnings of widespread rain and thunderstorms across the region until August 31, with isolated instances of heavy rainfall. The Karachi division, as well as the districts of Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad, are all expected to experience the effects of the system.
The sea conditions are anticipated to become very rough, with squally winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km/hour. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea until August 31 due to the hazardous conditions.
The PMD’s cyclone warning centre in Karachi is closely monitoring the system and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Authorities have been urged to stay vigilant and keep the public informed through PMD advisories.
The storm system began affecting Karachi earlier this week, with strong winds and heavy rain disrupting daily life and damaging infrastructure. On Tuesday morning, wind speeds reached up to 67 km/hour at Masroor Base and 52 km/hour at Faisal Base, following a rainy spell that began on Monday night.
With the PMD forecasting up to 200mm of rain in Karachi and up to 500mm in other parts of Sindh, authorities are on high alert to address the potential for urban flooding and other storm-related hazards.