The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)on Sunday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that several parts of Pakistan are likely to experience heavy rain, windstorms, thunderstorms and hailstorms during the next 12 to 24 hours due to prevailing weather conditions already predicted in its seasonal outlook.
According to the NDMA’s Media Wing, the current weather pattern is fully consistent with the NEOC’s earlier climate assessment issued three to four months ago for the April-to-June period.
The authority said Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to receive widespread rainfall accompanied by strong winds and hail at isolated locations.
The alert stated that heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Layyah, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Jhang and Multan.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rainfall with thunderstorm activity is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber. The NEOC also forecast strong winds and thunderstorms in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Bajaur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, with hailstorms likely at some locations.
The NDMA warned that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier and snow melting in northern regions, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas. Citizens were advised to avoid visiting glacial lakes and dangerous slopes, while travelers were urged to exercise caution as adverse weather could disrupt movement in hilly regions.
The authority also warned that strong winds and hailstorms may damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles. The NDMA urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions, stay in safe locations during windstorms and follow instructions issued by local administrations and weather advisory authorities. The authority further directed all relevant departments and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert and ensure advance preparedness measures to deal with any potential emergency situation.