NDMA issues alert: heavy rain, winds and hail expected in several parts of country within 24 hours

Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), has issued a nationwide weather warning forecasting thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms across various parts of the country within the next 12 to 24 hours.

The alert also highlights the possibility of flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in northern regions, as rising temperatures continue to accelerate melting in high-altitude areas.

NDMA stated that the current weather activity is in line with earlier seasonal outlooks and forecasts issued by the NEOC three to four months ago. It added that preparedness measures for the pre-monsoon period had already been reviewed during a national monsoon conference held on the instructions of the prime minister.

According to the advisory, strong winds, thunderstorms and intermittent rain, along with scattered hailstorms, are expected across much of the country, including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

In Punjab, weather conditions are likely to affect areas such as Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Okara, where rain and gusty winds accompanied by thunderstorms are forecast. Islamabad and nearby regions may also experience heavy rainfall with isolated hail activity.

For Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch and Rawalakot.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to be hit by rain and strong winds in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Charsadda and Dera Ismail Khan, with isolated hailstorms possible in certain areas.

The advisory further notes that Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Matli, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sujawal and Jamshoro, may also experience thunderstorms and occasional hail.

In Balochistan, rain-bearing systems are expected to impact Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Chaman, Loralai, Khuzdar, Qalat, Mastung, Ziarat, Sibi, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Surab, Hub, Gwadar and Kech.

NDMA also warned that rising heat in northern areas could intensify glacier melt, increasing the likelihood of flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in mountainous regions.

Citizens have been advised to limit unnecessary travel, avoid exposed slopes and glacial lake areas, and remain indoors during severe wind or dust storm conditions. The authority further cautioned that strong winds and hail may cause damage to weak buildings, vehicles and solar installations in southern parts of the country.

It added that all relevant departments and provincial administrations have been placed on high alert, with instructions to take precautionary measures. The public has also been urged to rely on official advisories and stay updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert system.