The low-pressure weather system in east-central Arabian Sea has intensified, which has been around 985 km southeast of Karachi and located at latitude 17.7 N and longitude 72.5 E.  Due to favorable environmental conditions, the system is likely to intensify into a Depression during next 24 hours and is expected to move initially to north towards India. Currently, there is no threat to any Pakistani coastal area.

The Cyclone Warning Center at Karachi is monitoring the weather system. The weather system in the Arabian Sea is energized by the warmer water temperatures. Weather experts say it could cause very hot weather in Karachi as the sea breeze is expected to be suspended. Earlier reports said that the system hovering near India’s western coast and could strengthen into a deep depression or even a cyclone by May 24 or 25 if conditions remain favourable.

If the system turns into a cyclone, it will be named Shakti meaning ‘power’, a name proposed by Sri Lanka.The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum has appealed to fishermen not to venture into the open sea for the next few days, citing safety concerns due to high tides, considering the potential proximity of the system to Karachi and other coastal areas of Sindh.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)