ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), on Friday issued a nationwide weather advisory warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and hailstorms across several parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
The authority also warned of potential flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in northern regions as temperatures continue to rise.
According to the NDMA, the current weather conditions are consistent with forecasts and seasonal assessments issued by the NEOC several months earlier. The authority added that pre-monsoon preparedness measures had already been reviewed during a national monsoon conference held on the prime minister’s directives.
The advisory stated that strong winds, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In Punjab, rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms is forecast for Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Okara.
Islamabad and surrounding areas may also experience heavy rainfall and hailstorms at isolated locations.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rain 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 is expected to receive rain and strong winds in 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 some districts.
The NDMA further warned of thunderstorms and potential hailstorms in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Matli, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sujawal and Jamshoro.
In Balochistan, rain-bearing weather systems are expected 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.
The authority cautioned that rising temperatures in northern areas could accelerate glacier melting, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from glacial lakes and vulnerable slopes, and remain indoors during dust storms and severe weather conditions.
The NDMA also warned 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 instructed to remain alert and take precautionary measures to respond to any emergency situation.
The public has been urged to follow an official weather advisories and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application for timely updates and emergency information.
