NDMA warns of rain thunderstorms and snowfall across country in next 24 hours

The National Emergencies Operation Center of the National Disaster Management Authority has forecast widespread rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the country over the next 12 to 24 hours, with snowfall expected in northern mountainous regions.

In its advisory issued on Wednesday, the authority said a western wind system entering from southwestern Balochistan is likely to affect most parts of the country, bringing showers along with gusty winds and possible hailstorms at isolated locations.

The Met Office has warned of urban flooding risks in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal, while residents in vulnerable localities have been advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures.

Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in Islamabad and multiple cities across Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali, and Mandi Bahauddin.

Additional districts likely to receive rainfall include Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain with thunderstorms is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur, while dust storms and strong winds are likely in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.

The authority has issued flood alerts for several districts, warning of possible flash floods in Balochistan areas including Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob, and Lasbela.

Similar conditions are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts such as Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Parachinar, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swabi, where authorities have been directed to remain prepared.

Snowfall is also forecast in upper regions of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Neelum Valley.

In Balochistan, rain is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar, and Lasbela.

Parts of Sindh including Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Khairpur, and Larkana are also likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms.

The authority warned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms may damage weak structures, trees, and power lines, while rainfall could disrupt traffic and make roads slippery.

It added that continued rainfall in hilly areas may increase the risk of landslides, and snowfall could affect travel in mountainous regions.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive cautiously, and follow official advisories, while tourists heading to northern areas have been urged to check weather and road conditions in advance.

Provincial and district administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to manage any emergency situation arising from the expected weather conditions.