The deep depression over the northeast Arabian Sea intensified on Friday and is likely to turn into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said, warning of possible rainfall in Karachi and parts of Sindh.

According to the latest PMD advisory, the system is currently located about 400 kilometres south of Karachi and has developed into a deep depression after gaining strength over the past 12 hours.

It is expected to track west and northwest, moving towards the central-northern Arabian Sea, where it may further intensify into a cyclonic storm.

If it develops into a storm, the system will be named Cyclone Shakti, meaning “power,” a name contributed by Sri Lanka.

Under its influence, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is forecast today in Karachi, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Matiari, and Jamshoro districts.

Wind speeds near the system’s core may reach 85 km/h, with gusts exceeding 125 km/h by October 4 evening.

Between October 3 and 6, very rough to high sea conditions are expected in the central and northern Arabian Sea, with waves likely to rise significantly.

The PMD cautioned fishermen against venturing into the open sea until October 5, as wind speeds along the Sindh coast could range between 40 and 55 km/h, making sea conditions “rough to very rough.”

The Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi is closely monitoring the system and will continue to issue updates.

Meanwhile, heavy snowfall gripped northern Pakistan as a western weather system intensified.

According to the reports, rain and snow are likely to continue for another 3–4 days.