NDMA warns of heavy rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms across several regions

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergencies Operation Centre on Friday issued a countrywide weather advisory, warning that thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and hailstorms are likely in several parts of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours.

The authority also cautioned that the weather pattern could lead to flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in northern areas as temperatures continue to rise.

According to the NDMA, the current weather situation is

fully in line

with forecasts and seasonal assessments issued by the NEOC three to four months earlier. Pre-monsoon preparedness had already been reviewed during a national monsoon conference held on the directions of the prime minister.

Areas likely to be affected

The advisory said strong winds, thunderstorm-related rain and isolated hailstorms are expected in many parts of the country, including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

In Punjab, the NDMA said rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Okara. Islamabad and nearby areas may also receive heavy rain, while isolated places could experience hailstorms.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast for Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch and Rawalakot.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the authority said rain and gusty winds are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Charsadda and Dera Ismail Khan. Isolated hailstorms are also likely in some districts.

In Sindh, the NDMA warned of thunderstorms and possible hailstorms in Karachi, Hyderabad, Matli, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sujawal and Jamshoro.

In Balochistan, rain-bearing weather systems are expected to affect Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Chaman, Loralai, Khuzdar, Qalat, Mastung, Ziarat, Sibi, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Surab, Hub, Gwadar and Kech.

Risk of floods and damage

The NDMA said rising temperatures in northern regions could speed up glacier melt, increasing the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.

It advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from glacial lakes and vulnerable slopes, and remain indoors during dust storms and severe weather.

The authority further warned that strong winds and hailstorms in southern parts of the country could damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles.

According to the NDMA, all relevant departments and provincial administrations have been instructed to stay alert and take precautionary steps to respond to any emergency situation. The public has also been urged to follow official weather advisories and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert for timely updates and emergency information.