Cyclone gain strength: Medium-intensity rain is expected in Karachi on Saturday

According to chief meteorologist Naeem Shah, the cyclone will affect the coastal areas of Karachi, other parts of Sindh and Makran.

He told The Express Tribune that they have been monitoring the strong weather system, which did not show any movement on Thursday.

“It remained still but it has gained intensity. It is on the verge on converting into a tropical cyclone,” he said.

He explained that the high temperatures and increase in humidity have led to the conversion.

Initially, the residents were expecting rain on Friday but, due to the slow speed of the weather system, the rain has been delayed.

The expected wind speed is 35 knots. “The rain circle will be up to 200 kilometres and will reach Hyderabad,” he said.

To be on the safe side, he advised people, especially fishermen, to avoid the sea till Wednesday.

The sea will be rough with waves likely to be over four feet high. After Pakistan, the cyclone may also affect the coast of Oman, but it would have lost intensity by then.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2011.