Karachi: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Sunday evening that Severe Cyclonic Storm Shakti has continued to drift away from Pakistan’s coast, moving west-southwestward over the Arabian Sea and now lying about 800 kilometers southwest of Karachi. The system poses no direct threat to Sindh’s coastline but will keep the weather humid and slightly unstable along coastal districts for the next couple of days.
According to the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre, Shakti is expected to move further southwest by Monday (October 6) before curving eastwards over the west-central and northwest Arabian Sea within 12 hours and gradually weakening into a cyclonic storm. Meteorologists said the cyclone’s intensity is steadily declining, but its circulation continues to influence the regional weather pattern.
Under its current influence, isolated light rain is likely along the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan, while sea conditions will remain rough to very rough with squally winds ranging between 40 and 50 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 55 near the Sindh coast. Fishermen have once again been strictly advised not to venture into deep sea waters.
The PMD said gale-force winds around the cyclone’s center were reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour, gusting to 135, but are expected to reduce further to around 80 to 90 kilometers per hour later tonight and gradually weaken to 50 to 60 kilometers per hour over the next 36 hours. Sea conditions will remain very rough to high until October 7, with waves likely to stay elevated over the northwest and west-central Arabian Sea.
In Karachi, partly cloudy and humid weather with chances of light drizzle is expected on Sunday, followed by mostly sunny and humid conditions on Monday and Tuesday. Maximum temperatures will remain between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures around 26 to 28 degrees. Morning humidity will stay high, reaching up to 80 percent, while dropping to 40–70 percent in the evening.
The PMD has advised relevant institutions including the Sindh Chief Secretary, Karachi Commissioner, Pakistan Navy, K-Electric, and disaster management authorities in Sindh and Balochistan to stay alert and monitor sea conditions closely.
Officials said that although Shakti has moved significantly away from the Pakistani coast, the system’s wide circulation may still trigger mild coastal showers and keep the air uncomfortably humid for the next couple of days. No heavy rainfall or severe weather threat currently exists for Karachi or other parts of Sindh.
Authorities have urged residents along the coastline to avoid unnecessary sea travel, remain cautious, and follow PMD advisories as the system weakens and dissipates gradually over the Arabian Sea.
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