KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned Thursday that a severe low pressure system over the Arabian Sea is likely to transform into a cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours. PMD’s Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz indicated that if the low-pressure system does develop into a cyclonic storm, it will be named “Asna”, which means “highest” and “brighter”. A cyclonic storm during the monsoon season is very unusual, Sarfaraz said, noting that this is the first time since 1961 that such a weather system is directed towards Sindh’s coastal belt from Central India. “During monsoon, there is approximately 1% or 2% chance for a depression or low pressure to turn into a cyclonic storm or tropical cyclone.” meteorologist Anjum Nazir Presently, a deep depression over India’s Rann of Kutch lies 270km east/southeast of Karachi and is expected to intensify into cyclonic storm later tonight or by tomorrow (Friday) morning, if it gets favourable weather conditions. The Met Office expects the possible storm and weather system to bring heavy rains to Pakistan’s coastal belt, including lower Sindh and Karachi. As a result, PMD’s cyclone warning center in the port city has also warned fishermen in lower Sindh and Balochistan to avoid venturing to the sea till August 31 in view of possible cyclone. This system is also likely to bring scattered heavy rainfall to isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sajawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu and Shaheed Benazirabad districts and Karachi till August 31 with occasional gaps.