The Met Department has reported the formation of a low-pressure system in the east-central Arabian Sea, approximately 985 kilometres southeast of Karachi.
The system is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours, though no immediate threat has been posed to Pakistan’s coastal areas.
In its latest advisory, the Met Department stated that the system is likely to move in a northward direction initially. While it continues to strengthen, officials have emphasized that the weather development is being closely monitored.
"Currently, there is no threat to any coastal area of Pakistan," the department confirmed, urging the public and relevant authorities to remain calm but vigilant.
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The Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi is actively tracking marine activity in the region and will issue further updates as the system evolves.
What is a depression?
A depression is a low-pressure weather system that can potentially develop into a tropical storm or cyclone under the right atmospheric conditions. Such developments are especially monitored during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods in the Arabian Sea.
Meanwhile, the Met Department has forecasted rain accompanied by gusty and dusty winds across various regions of the country starting Friday night, with weather conditions expected to ease the ongoing heatwave gripping upper Pakistan.
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According to the Met Office, rain and windstorms are likely to hit Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Hazara, Swat, and Mardan, while similar weather patterns are expected in Peshawar, Charsadda, Lahore, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Sheikhupura.
The Met Department also predicted rainfall in Karak, Malakand, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, and southern districts including Zhob, Barkhan, Ziarat, Sargodha, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, and Layyah on May 24.
Officials warned that strong winds could damage trees, solar panels, and power poles, and urged the public to take necessary precautions.
"This expected weather system will likely reduce the intensity of the ongoing heatwave in northern and central regions," the department said in a statement.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a wind and rain alert for May 23 and 24, warning of potential weather disruptions in most districts of the province, including Lahore. The district administration has been issued an alert.
