Cyclonic Storm “Shakhti” Develops in Arabian Sea, Poses No Threat to Pakistan’s Coastline

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Friday that a significant depression in the northeast Arabian Sea has strengthened into a cyclonic storm, named “Shakhti.” The department has confirmed that this weather event does not currently present any hazard to Pakistan’s coastal regions.

According to the PMD’s latest advisory, the cyclonic disturbance has intensified over the same area and is projected to track in a west-northwesterly direction.

The PMD further elaborated that the cyclone is expected to continue its intensification and maintain its west-northwest trajectory for the subsequent 12 hours. A shift in direction is anticipated after 24 hours, with the storm then moving towards the west and southwest.

As a precaution, maritime authorities are advising fishermen to refrain from deep-sea fishing activities for the next 24 hours.

The weather update also indicated that a westerly wave is influencing the upper areas of the country and is likely to gain strength by Saturday evening.

The forecast includes expectations for partly cloudy skies, accompanied by rain, wind, and potential thunderstorms in regions including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Upper Punjab, and Sindh’s coastal areas.

Under the influence of the prevailing weather system, Karachi and other areas in lower Sindh are predicted to experience light rainfall.

A cautionary statement was issued, warning that strong winds and lightning could potentially cause damage to vulnerable structures such as roofs and walls of temporary houses, power poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.

In contrast, hot and arid conditions are expected to persist across the remaining areas of the country.