The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said Sunday that Cyclone Shakti, currently swirling over the northeast Arabian Sea, is unlikely to make landfall along Sindh’s coast. The storm, however, is expected to cause light rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions in coastal areas.
According to the PMD’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre, the storm was located about 480 kilometres southwest of Karachi on Saturday evening. Moving west-southwestward, it is projected to shift further into the northwest and adjoining central Arabian Sea before curving east-northeastward later Sunday.
Meteorologists said the system will gradually weaken after recurving, reducing the risk of any direct impact on Pakistan’s coastline. Light showers are expected in Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, and Kech districts, while Karachi will remain partly cloudy and humid.
Squally winds between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 55 kilometres per hour, are forecast along Sindh’s coast. Near the cyclone’s centre, winds may reach 120 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 135 kilometres per hour. Fishermen have been advised to avoid deep-sea ventures until Sunday evening due to dangerous sea conditions.
Experts said Cyclone Shakti formed over warm sea surface temperatures exceeding 31°C, drawing energy from moist air before strengthening into a severe storm. It is expected to lose intensity as it moves toward cooler waters under the influence of strong upper-level wind shear.
Authorities, including the PDMA, Pakistan Navy, and coastal development agencies, have been placed on alert for possible shifts in the cyclone’s path or strength. Residents along Sindh and Balochistan’s coastlines have been urged to stay updated through official advisories and refrain from unnecessary movement near the shore.
