Key points
- NDMA issues alert regarding strong western weather systems
- Farmers have been advised to take precautions to protect crops from potential hailstorms
- Tourists should exercise caution during outdoor activities and mountain excursions
- Hot and dry conditions will prevail in Sindh
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged provincial and district authorities to ensure emergency preparedness as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected across various parts of the country, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, from May 27 to June 1.
According to state-run news agency, APP, the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of NDMA has issued a weather alert emphasising the need for vigilance and coordination with local response units to ensure timely action.
NEOC Alert: Expected Dust Storm
Severe dust storm is expected from 27 May in Western & Southern Pak, esp Balochistan. Levels may exceed 1000 µg/m³. Dust is likely to ease gradually by Tues night. Strong winds/storm cud damage crop, vehicles, power lines & reduced visibility. pic.twitter.com/UzYrQB93yQ
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) May 26, 2025
The weather advisory indicates that strong western weather systems will affect various regions of Pakistan from May 27 to June 1, 2025, bringing rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hailstorms.
“Heavy rainfall”
Islamabad is predicated to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds during this period.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are set to batter Pakistan’s Punjab, days after similar weather killed around 20 people across the province, Dawn News reported. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has also issued a province-wide alert of severe weather from today (Tuesday).
The authorities warned people to stay away from loose structures, including electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels during thunderstorms and stay indoors as much as possible.
The warning was issued as a PDMA assessment showed 70pc of casualties during the thunderstorm three days ago were caused by falling solar panels which were not installed properly.
Emergency measures
In light of the fresh forecast, the Punjab government has activated emergency protocols across all districts, according to Dawn News.
The district administrations and all relevant departments, including health, education, irrigation, local government and Rescue 1122, have been put on alert to maintain round-the-clock staffing at emergency operation centres.
The provincial cabinet committee on disaster management also convened an emergency meeting on Monday.
PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia briefed the committee on the relief body’s preparations. The commissioners and deputy commissioners shared progress reports on ongoing desilting of waterways and mock emergency exercises.
The meeting also reviewed the Flood Risk Management Survey. Officials revealed plans to survey over 100,000 structures in Dera Ghazi Khan division, with all hill torrent area surveys scheduled for completion by June 22. PDMA has also directed local authorities to submit daily situation reports.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), thunderstorms and strong winds are expected in Swat, Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Chitral, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Charsadda, Hangu, DI Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Waziristan from May 27- 29.
In Balochistan, rain and thunderstorms may impact Quetta, Zhob, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbela, Mastung, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, and Awaran from May 27 to 29.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and landslides may affect Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from May 27 to June 1.
“Avoid unnecessary travel”
In Sindh, hot and dry conditions will prevail with no significant rainfall forecast from May 27 to 29.
The authority will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide timely updates, according to APP.
The NDMA advised public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly and flood-prone areas, secure weak structures, trees, power lines, and solar panels, Park vehicles in secure and covered location, farmers should take precautions to protect standing crops from potential hailstorms and gusty winds, travelers and tourists should exercise caution during outdoor and mountain excursions.
