PMD alerts authorities as cyclone forms 1,500km south of Karachi

A tropical cyclone is potentially forming over the South East Arabian Sea, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned Tuesday.

The PMD — in an alert issued on the weather department's website — said: “The low-pressure area (LPA) over Southeast Arabian Sea has intensified into a Depression (strong LPA) and lies near Latitude 11.5 N & Longitude 66.0 E about 1500km south of Karachi.”

It further added that a sea surface temperature of 30-31°C, low vertical wind shear and upper-level divergence have provided “favourable” environmental conditions, in which the system is likely to intensify further into a tropical storm during the next 18 to 24 hours.

The storm will likely move further in the north and northwest direction, the statement added.

Furthermore, the statement added that currently none of Pakistan's coastal areas are under any threat.

However, the PMD’s cyclone warning centre, Karachi is monitoring the system and will issue an update accordingly.

The notification also warned all authorities concerned to remain “alert” during the forecast period.