Karachi, October 21, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued an official update on Saturday regarding Cyclonic Storm (TEJ) in the Southwest Arabian Sea.
The meteorological office provided crucial information about the storm’s recent developments and its potential impact.
According to the PMD, the cyclone has continued to advance further west-northwestward, intensifying into a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS). As of the latest update, the cyclone is centered around Latitude 11.0 °N and Longitude 57.0 °E. It is situated at a distance of approximately 1,880 kilometers southwest of Karachi, 1,670 kilometers south/southwest of Gwadar, and 750 kilometers south-southeast of Salalah, Oman.
The cyclone is currently characterized by maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 100 to 110 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. Sea conditions in the vicinity of the storm are described as very high/phenomenal, with maximum wave heights reaching up to 25 feet around the center of the system.
The PMD’s assessment of environmental conditions indicates that the cyclone is operating under highly favorable circumstances. These include warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs), low vertical wind shear, and upper-level outflow, all of which contribute to the system’s further strengthening. It is expected that the cyclone will intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) by the following day while continuing its west-northwestward trajectory, moving towards the Yemen-Oman coast.
Given the trajectory and increasing strength of the cyclone, the PMD’s update serves as a vital alert for regional authorities, communities, and maritime interests. Severe cyclonic storms can bring about adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains, strong winds, and high waves, potentially leading to coastal inundation and other related hazards.
The PMD’s consistent monitoring of the cyclone and the provision of timely updates are essential for preparedness and response efforts. The information enables authorities to take precautionary measures, issue warnings, and make informed decisions to protect lives and property.
As the cyclone progresses, residents and stakeholders in the affected regions are advised to stay tuned to official weather updates and follow safety recommendations from relevant authorities. Preparedness and vigilance are crucial in minimizing the impact of severe weather events like this cyclonic storm in the Southwest Arabian Sea.