KARACHI: The weather system over the northeast Arabian Sea has intensified into a cyclonic storm named SHAKHTI, posing potential risks to coastal regions of Sindh. According to the Meteorological Department, the system has moved northwestward in recent hours and is now centered at Latitude 21.7N and Longitude 66.8E — approximately 360 kilometers south of Karachi.
Experts predict that SHAKHTI will continue moving west-northwestward initially and may further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours. Later, it is expected to change direction towards the west-southwest and approach the central and northern Arabian Sea.
Under the storm’s influence, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in several districts, including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, and parts of Karachi Division today and tomorrow.
Sea conditions near Sindh’s coastline are forecasted to remain rough to very rough, with squally winds blowing at 40–50 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has strictly advised fishermen to avoid venturing into deep sea waters until October 5 due to dangerous conditions.
Wind speeds around the system’s center are expected to reach 65–75 km/h, gusting up to 85 km/h by the evening of October 4. As SHAKHTI intensifies, gale-force winds could surge to 100–110 km/h, with gusts reaching 125 km/h.
The sea is likely to remain very rough to high from October 3 to 6, especially over the central and northern Arabian Sea. Authorities have urged coastal communities and fishermen to remain alert and follow official updates as SHAKHTI continues its movement near Karachi.
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