Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected Across Pakistan, Warns NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather advisory, warning citizens about thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and hailstorms expected in several parts of the country over the coming hours.

Authorities have also raised concerns over possible flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in northern regions as temperatures continue to rise.

According to the NDMA, the current weather pattern matches forecasts and seasonal assessments prepared by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) months earlier. The authority added that pre-monsoon preparedness had already been reviewed during a national monsoon conference held on the prime minister’s instructions.

The advisory states that strong winds, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are likely in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

In Punjab, several cities including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sargodha are expected to receive rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms.

Islamabad and nearby areas may also experience heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms.

Northern regions including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad are likely to witness thunderstorms and rainfall, while authorities fear that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier melting, increasing the chances of flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to experience unstable weather conditions in districts such as Swat, Chitral, Abbottabad, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan, with isolated hailstorms predicted in some locations.

Meanwhile, Sindh cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta and Jamshoro may also receive thunderstorms and hailstorms, while several districts of Balochistan are expected to remain under the influence of rain-bearing weather systems.

The NDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from vulnerable mountainous areas and glacial lakes, and remain indoors during severe weather conditions.

Authorities also warned that strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures, vehicles and solar panels, particularly in southern regions.

All provincial administrations and relevant departments have been instructed to stay alert and take precautionary measures to respond to any emergency situation.

The NDMA urged the public to stay updated through official weather advisories and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for timely information and emergency updates.