A potential cyclone forming over the Rann of Kutch in India is expected to reach the Sindh coast by late tonight or early tomorrow, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). In a statement issued at 10 am on Thursday, the PMD reported that a deep depression had slowly moved west/southwest over the last 12 hours and is currently located about 270 kilometers east/southeast of Karachi.
The PMD alert indicated that the weather system is likely to move west/southwest and emerge into the northeast Arabian Sea near the Sindh coast by late tonight or tomorrow morning. Due to favorable environmental conditions, the depression is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow and initially continue in a west/southwest direction.
The developing system is forecasted to bring widespread rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rainfall until August 31 in Karachi and across several districts, including Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
The PMD warned of very rough sea conditions, with squally winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km/h, and advised fishermen to avoid going out to sea until August 31. The PMD’s cyclone warning center in Karachi is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
Earlier on Tuesday, Karachi experienced heavy rain and strong winds, disrupting daily life and damaging infrastructure. The PMD forecast up to 200mm of rain in Karachi and 500mm in other Sindh cities, prompting authorities to prepare for potential urban flooding.
In response to the weather warnings, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed local authorities and relevant departments to remain alert and complete all necessary preparations to handle any emergencies. He also instructed the health and fisheries departments to improve safety measures at hospitals and ensure fishermen’s safety amid the severe sea conditions. Additionally, the water department was ordered to continue monitoring rivers, streams, and other water bodies.
Over the past 24 hours, Tharparkar district recorded the highest rainfall in Sindh, with 347mm across seven tehsils. Karachi received a total of 190mm, with Surjani Town experiencing the most rain at 30mm. Other notable rainfall amounts included 143mm in Mirpurkhas, 116mm in Hyderabad, and 112mm in Badin. The maximum wind speeds were recorded at Masroor Base (67 km/h) and Faisal Base (52 km/h).
