Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather advisory forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and possible hailstorms in various parts of the country next week, urging citizens to take precautionary measures. The announcement was made on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as the country continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, which has led to an increase in extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, heavy rains, and floods.
Weather Forecast Details
The NDMA stated that the current weather patterns align with seasonal forecasts from its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC). Southern Sindh and parts of Balochistan are expected to remain hot and dry, with temperatures likely to rise further. However, other regions will experience significant weather activity.
Punjab Region
Between May 19 and 22, rain, windstorms, and isolated hailstorms are expected in various districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Lahore, Sialkot, Kasur, and Multan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat, and Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, and Khuzdar in Balochistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir
Rain and isolated hailstorms are also expected in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, and Kotli.
Safety Advisory
The NDMA advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain or extreme heat. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to follow local administration guidelines and weather advisories to ensure their safety. The advisory comes after recent torrential rains in late March and early April resulted in over 80 deaths nationwide, while last year's monsoon season (June 26 to October 1) claimed at least 1,037 lives.
