Karachi could see cyclone-like conditions as a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea, located around 1,075 kilometres southeast of Karachi, is expected to turn into a depression within 36 hours and may strengthen into a cyclone in the coming days.
“Gusty winds are likely in coastal areas during afternoon,” as per Sindh weather forecast for Thursday and Friday issued by Pakistan Metrological department (PMD).
As of now, according to the PMD, there is no severe threat regarding the cyclone. However, the weather forecasting authority has advised the public to follow the news and stay updated due to the latest weather situation.
A low-pressure system over the unusually warm Arabian Sea may trigger a heatwave in Sindh, including Karachi, from May 24 to June 1. With sea breezes likely to stop, temperatures in Karachi could soar above 40°C.
The cyclone centre of Karachi is monitoring the depression, and authorities are ready for any emergency situation.
According to the Meteorological Department, the system will initially move northward. If the system strengthens into a cyclone, it will be named Shakti by Sri Lanka.
Past Karachi Cyclones
Karachi cyclones are not common but are increasingly becoming a bit more common with rising sea temperatures and climate change. Although most Arabian Sea cyclones are inclined towards Oman or India, Karachi can still experience strong winds, heavy rain, or heatwaves from nearby systems. Yemyin (2007), Phet (2010), and Biparjoy (2023) are some of the biggest cyclones that have struck the city in the past, though the city has often narrowly avoided direct landfall.
This year, in 2025, the country is expected to face a severe heatwave, which the PMD and National Disaster Management Authority have already predicted and issued several warnings about. Due to climate change, Punjab is likely to receive 50 to 60 percent more rainfall than usual.
