Tropical Cyclone Asna formed over the northern Arabian Sea south of Pakistan on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Asna was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 66.4°E which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) south of Karachi, Pakistan. Asna was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

A low pressure system over the Arabian Sea south of Pakistan strengthened on Friday and the India Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Asna.  There was a distinct low level center of circulation in Tropical Cyclone Asna.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Asna’c circulation.  Bands in the northern part of Tropical Cyclone Asna consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Asna’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the southwest of the tropical cyclone.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Asna.

Tropical Cyclone Asna will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Asna will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  There is a large mass of drier air over Southwest Asia.  The circulation around the northern side of Asna could draw drier air into the tropical cyclone.  Tropical Cyclone Asna could strengthen during the next 24 hours, if it does not pull too much drier air into its circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Asna will move around the southeastern part of a high pressure system over Southwest Asia.  The high pressure system will steer Asna toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Asna will move parallel to the coast of Pakistan.

Bands in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Asna could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern Pakistan.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.