Cyclone 'Shakti' Weakens to Tropical Depression within 24 Hours, No Impact on UAE
The UAE's National Center of Meteorology has confirmed that tropical storm "Shakti" currently forming in the Arabian Sea poses no threat to the country. The storm is weakening and moving away from UAE waters, heading southeast toward the Indian Ocean.
Shakti is located at coordinates 19.6 degrees north and 60.5 degrees east in the western Arabian Sea. The meteorological center classifies it as a tropical storm with wind speeds between 60 and 70 kilometers per hour.
But here's the key point - the storm is losing strength fast. Weather forecasters expect Shakti to weaken significantly over the next 24 hours. It will first downgrade to a tropical depression, then to a regular low-pressure system.
The storm is moving southeast to east at speeds between 25 and 55 kilometers per hour. This trajectory takes it further away from UAE coastlines and into the open ocean.
For the region's shipping industry and oil operations, this news brings relief. The Arabian Sea hosts major shipping lanes and offshore energy infrastructure. A weakening storm that stays away from populated areas means minimal disruption to maritime traffic and energy production.
The UAE's meteorological monitoring reflects the country's advanced weather tracking capabilities. The nation has invested heavily in forecasting technology, especially important given its location in a region where tropical systems can form during certain seasons.
Residents and businesses can continue normal operations without storm-related concerns. The weather center continues monitoring Shakti's path, but current projections show it will dissipate harmlessly over open waters.
Sara Khaled