The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a cyclone alert for Karachi in the wake of a ‘potential cyclonic activity’ in Arabian Sea.
According to the PMD, the persistence of clouds in Arabian Sea shows an area of convection with a potential of development of a cyclonic circulation. A deep low pressure area developing in the sea at a distance of 1600 km south of Pakistan coast may turn into a cyclone in next couple of days, the PMD said.
It said the cyclone warning centre (Karachi) is monitoring the local and regional meteorological conditions regularly.
The PMD said a weather advisory, in case of any cyclonic activity, would be issued in next 24 hours. All stakeholders and concerned authorities have been advised to be alert about the situation.
The storm will be named Ashubha if it develops into a full-blown cyclone, said the Met Office.
The alert comes a day after many parts of Sindh received showers with gusty winds, and a massive dust storm whipped across Karachi. The second storm of the summer blasted the metropolis with strong and blinding winds that forced the people to take shelter. The dust enveloped the city and caused traffic jams as drivers slowed down because of poor visibility. The Met Office says the storm may usher in the yearly monsoon season, bringing with it localized heavy rains.