Cyclone Biparjoy Gains Strength, Heads Towards Karachi’s Coastline
The cyclonic storm has gradually moved further north-northwestward over the past 12 hours, gaining more intensity. It is currently located near Latitude 14.0°N and Longitude 66.2°E, approximately 1200km south of Karachi, stated Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz.
The Meteorological Office reported maximum sustained surface winds of 120-140 km per hour, with gusts reaching 160 km/h near the center of the system.
Favorable environmental conditions, including a sea surface temperature of 30-32°C, low vertical wind shear, and upper-level divergence, are expected to further intensify the system as it continues moving in a northwest direction, said Sardar Sarfaraz.
Currently, no coastal areas in Pakistan are under threat. The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s cyclone warning center in Karachi is closely monitoring the system and will provide updates accordingly, stated the Meteorological Office.
Sea conditions are extremely rough near the center of the system, with maximum wave heights reaching 25-28 feet.
The Meteorological Office has advised all relevant authorities to remain on high alert.
Recent weather reports from neighboring India indicate that Cyclone Biparjoy, located approximately 860km southwest of Goa, is expected to further intensify as it moves northwards.
“The cyclone is unlikely to make landfall in India and is projected to move towards the Arabian Peninsula,” stated the bulletin.
