Arabian Sea low-pressure system likely to intensify this weekend

A low-pressure weathersystem, has formed over the east-central Arabian Sea and could intensify over the weekend, Pakistan’s meteorological authorities said on Thursday.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the weather system was located around 1,075 kilometres southeast of Karachi, near latitude 16.4 N and longitude 71.9 E.

According to the PMD, the system is currently moving northwards and may evolve into a depression within the next 36 hours. If favourable conditions persist, it could strengthen further into a deep depression or even a cyclonic storm by May 24 or 25.

There is currently no threat to Pakistan’s coastal areas, officials said, but the system is being closely monitored by the cyclone warning centre in Karachi.

Meteorologists say warm sea surface temperatures are fuelling the system’s growth. The developing weather pattern is also likely to disrupt Karachi’s sea breeze, leading to extremely hot conditions in the city.

Although a cyclone alert was issued in some parts of India, currently, there is no threat to any Pakistani coastal area.

PMD’s cyclone warning center, Karachi is monitoring the system and will keep the relevant quarters abreast.