The cyclone IS Presently located 410 kilometers south of Karachi and 400 km south of Thatta, according to PMD.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), cyclone Biparjoy over the Arabian Sea is now 410 kilometers south of Karachi, which was hit by a dust storm on Tuesday.
The PMD reported in its 16th bulletin that the cyclone had traveled north-northwestward over the last six hours and was now roughly 400 kilometers south of Thatta.
“Maximum sustained surface winds are 150-160 km/h with gusts to 180 km/h around the system center, and sea conditions are phenomenal with a maximum wave height of 30 feet.” “Favorable environmental conditions (sea surface temperature of 29-30°C, low vertical wind shear, and upper-level divergence) will help it maintain its strength throughout the forecast period,” it said.
Read More: Authorities on high alert as Cyclone Biparjoy gets closer to Karachi
The PMD predicted that Biparjoy would track further north until June 14 morning, then recurve northeastward and cross between Keti Bandar and the Indian Gujarat coast on June 15 afternoon or evening as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) with packing winds of 100-120 km/h.
The PMD stated that widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm rain with some very heavy/extremely heavy falls, accompanied by squally winds of 80-100km/h gusting 120km/h, was likely in the districts of Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot from June 13 to June 17.
It further stated that from June 14 to June 16, dust/thunderstorm-rain with few heavy falls and squally winds of 60-80 km/h was probable in Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar districts.
Squally (high-intensity) winds, according to the PMD, could harm loose and susceptible buildings (mud homes). It went on to say that a storm surge of three to 3.5 meters was forecast at the landfalling point – Keti Bandar and its environs.
Read More: Upcoming rainfall spell will result in below-normal temperatures
It encouraged fishermen not to wander into open water until the system was completed by June 17.
The PMD further stated that the cyclone warning center in Karachi was constantly monitoring the system and would make updates as needed.
The dust storm hampered traffic flow in Karachi, as many fled to their homes.
In addition to severe winds, light rain was observed in a few locations of the city. Motorcyclists encountered challenges on their route due to weather conditions, as quick gusts forced bikes to swing and vision decreased due to dust.
