Islamabad, August 31, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a severe weather warning for Karachi and surrounding areas due to the impending impact of Cyclone ASNA. The department has forecasted significant rainfall and potential flooding over the next two days, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
In a statement, the PMD reported that the Cyclonic Storm (CS) “ASNA” (pronounced as As-Na) over the northeast Arabian Sea has moved further west-south-westward over the past six hours. It is now positioned at around latitude 23.3°N and longitude 64.5°E, approximately 300 km southwest of Karachi, 230 km south-southwest of Ormara, and 300 km southeast of Gwadar. The system is expected to continue moving west-south-westward, posing a significant threat to coastal areas.
Severe Weather Expected
The PMD has warned that torrential rains from August 31 to September 1, 2024, could lead to pluvial flooding and inundation in low-lying areas of South Sindh and South Balochistan. There is also a heightened risk of flash flooding in local streams and nullahs across several regions, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Jaffarabad, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Barkhan, Loralai, Awaran, Panjgur, Washuk, Mastung, and Lasbella.
The synoptic situation indicates that Cyclone ASNA continues to pose a significant threat as it moves west-south-westward, maintaining its strength. The PMD has emphasized that all necessary precautions should be taken by local authorities and residents to mitigate the potential impact of this severe weather event.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the PMD has predicted hot and dry weather for most parts of the country. However, rain-wind and thundershower activity are expected at scattered locations in South Balochistan and South Sindh, with isolated incidents in South Punjab, North Balochistan, and Kashmir. Rain-thundershowers accompanied by heavy downpours and squally winds are likely in South Sindh and Makran during this period.
For Sunday, September 1, 2024, the PMD forecasts continued hot and dry weather for most regions. However, rain-wind and thundershowers are expected at scattered places in Lower Balochistan and isolated spots in North Balochistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and surrounding hilly areas. Makran is expected to experience rain-thundershowers with heavy falls and gusty winds.
Recent Weather Events
Over the past 24 hours, rain-wind and thundershowers have occurred at isolated locations in Sindh, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan. Significant rainfall measurements include:
• Sindh: Karachi (Quaidabad 39mm, Surjani 24mm, Korangi 18mm), Sukkur 23mm, Thatta 20mm, Mohenjodaro 19mm.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Kalam 25mm, Malam Jabba 10mm, Saidu Sharif 09mm.
• Balochistan: Khuzdar 16mm, Sibbi 11mm, Ormara 07mm.
• Gilgit-Baltistan: Gupis 11mm, Gilgit 02mm.
• Kashmir: Garhi Dupatta 06mm.
• Punjab: Attock 05mm, Toba Tek Singh 03mm.
The highest recorded maximum temperatures for today were Turbat at 40°C, followed by Peshawar and Nokundi at 39°C.
Precautionary Measures Advised
With the threat of Cyclone ASNA looming, the PMD has urged all residents, especially those in vulnerable and low-lying areas, to remain alert and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties. Emergency services and local authorities are on high alert to respond to any situations arising from the severe weather conditions expected in the coming days.
