Sporadic rains hit parts of Karachi despite the cyclonic storm — Asna — in the Arabian Sea moved further westward from the Sindh coast during the past six hours.
The areas which received moderate to heavy rains include Gurumandir, Numaish, Lasbela, Soldier Bazaar, Tariq Road, I I Chundrigar Road and its adjoining areas.
In a fresh alert issued at 9:36pm today, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted rain-thundershowers with few heavy falls clubbed with squally winds (60-70kph) in Balochistan's Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar, Jiwani, Turbat, Panjgur till tomorrow night.
It also warned about water logging in low-lying areas of Makran coast.
The cyclone is now lies at around Latitude 23.2 N & Longitude 63.8 E at a distance of about 370km southwest of Karachi, 250km southwest of Ormara and 260km south-southeast of Gwadar, it added.
"The system is likely to track further westwards till tomorrow, then turn southwestward and weaken gradually," the weather department said.
A previous alert forecasted heavy rains in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, however, the change in the cyclone's trajectory ended the chances of further downpours.
The PMD advised fishermen of Balochistan not to venture into the open sea till September 1 night due to rough sea conditions with squally winds of 60-70kph gusting 80kph.
It allowed Sindh fishermen to resume their activities from Sunday (tomorrow).
Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfaraz told a private news channel that potential heavy rainfall and thunderstorms may hit various parts of Sindh and coastal districts of Balochistan.
He highlighted the possible impacts of the cyclone on Sindh’s weather, stressing the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of potentially severe weather conditions.
Sarfaraz cautioned that despite Cyclone Asna’s trajectory towards Oman, its effects on Pakistan will still be significant.
He emphasised that Balochistan, in particular, can expect more severe consequences than Sindh, with intense rainfall predicted in the region.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned that strong windstorms may damage crops, loose structures, like billboards, electrical poles, solar panels and hoardings.
It advised general public against visiting the seaside and beach areas.
Thunderstorms may increase risk of lightning strikes and electricity, along with other utility services may get disrupted, the NDMA said.
The authority has issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather.
The Met Department released statistics of the five-day monsoon spell continued in the provincial capital of Sindh from August 27 to 31.
— With additional input from APP
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