The National Disaster Management Authority's (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) issued a nationwide weather alert on Friday, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hailstorms in several parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours. The NDMA also cautioned citizens and authorities about possible flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in northern areas amid rising temperatures.
Weather Situation Aligns with Forecasts
The NDMA stated that the prevailing weather situation is "fully in line" with forecasts and seasonal assessments issued by the NEOC three to four months ago. The authority had already reviewed pre-monsoon preparedness measures through a national monsoon conference convened on the directions of the prime minister.
Expected Weather Conditions Across Regions
According to the advisory, strong winds, thunderstorm-related rain, and isolated hailstorms are expected in most parts of the country, including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
- Punjab: Rain accompanied by 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: The capital and adjoining areas could also witness heavy rain and hailstorms at isolated locations.
- Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir: Rainfall and thunderstorms are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, and Rawalakot.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 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, with isolated hailstorms forecast in some districts.
- Sindh: Thunderstorms and possible hailstorms are warned in Karachi, Hyderabad, Matli, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sujawal, and Jamshoro.
- Balochistan: Rain-bearing weather systems are likely 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.
Risks from Rising Temperatures
The authority warned that rising temperatures in northern regions could accelerate glacier melting, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, and landslides in mountainous areas. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from glacial lakes and vulnerable slopes, and remain indoors during dust storms and severe weather conditions.
Precautionary Measures
The NDMA also cautioned that strong winds and hailstorms in southern regions could damage weak structures, solar panels, and vehicles. The authority said all relevant departments and provincial administrations had been directed to remain on alert and undertake precautionary measures to deal with any emergency situation.
The NDMA urged the public to follow official weather advisories and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert for timely updates and emergency information.
