The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a countrywide weather alert, warning that strong winds, dust storms, thunderstorms, heavy rain, urban flooding and glacier-related flood threats may affect different parts of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours. Mountainous regions, in particular, face an increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Alert Details and Coordination
The alert was released by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), which said the current weather conditions are in line with the seasonal forecast issued several months ago. The authority said advance warnings had already been shared with federal, provincial and district authorities to help ensure preparedness and a timely response to any emergency.
Expected Weather Conditions in Punjab and Islamabad
According to the advisory, widespread rainfall accompanied by gusty winds, dust storms and thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts of Punjab, including Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. The NDMA has also warned of possible urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of the Potohar region due to heavy downpours.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber.
GLOF and Flash Flood Risks in Northern Areas
Separately, the authority highlighted an elevated risk of GLOFs and flash floods in the northern areas due to rising temperatures and accelerated glacial melt. Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Astore and Diamer in Gilgit-Baltistan, along with Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Bahrain and Arkari in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been identified as particularly vulnerable. The NDMA said Upper Dir, Swat, Kohistan and Mansehra remain highly exposed to flash flooding, while Gilgit, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Ghanche, Darel and Tangir could also face flood-related impacts. In Azad Kashmir, localised flooding may occur in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh and Haveli.
Potential Infrastructure Damage
The advisory warned that sudden flash floods, landslides and debris flows could develop in mountainous regions. Water levels in glacier-fed rivers and streams may rise sharply, increasing the risk of damage to highways, link roads and other critical infrastructure.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall and thunderstorms are likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan. Similar weather conditions are expected in Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob in Balochistan.
Sindh and Karachi
Parts of Sindh may also receive rain, with strong winds and thunderstorms forecast in Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi.
Preparedness Measures
The NDMA said district administrations and emergency response agencies have been directed to remain on high alert, closely monitor vulnerable areas and ensure that drainage systems, nullahs and sewerage networks remain clear to minimise the risk of flooding.
