By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that widespread thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hailstorms are expected across large parts of Pakistan during the next 12 to 24 hours.
The authority said the evolving weather system is in line with earlier forecasts issued by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC). Officials are closely monitoring the situation while reviewing preparedness measures ahead of the upcoming monsoon season, following directives from the prime minister.
Rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunder is likely to affect several regions, with isolated incidents of hailstorms also anticipated in different areas.
In Punjab, cities including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sargodha are expected to receive rainfall. Some areas may also experience hailstorms, particularly during intense weather activity.
The northern regions, including Gilgit, Skardu and Hunza, along with parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir such as Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley, are also forecast to witness thunderstorms and rain. Authorities have cautioned that weather conditions in these areas could change rapidly due to mountainous terrain.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts such as Swat, Abbottabad, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan are likely to experience rain accompanied by strong winds. There is also a possibility of hailstorms at isolated locations across the province.
Sindh is also expected to be affected, with Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin likely to receive thunderstorms and rain. Meanwhile, several parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Khuzdar and Gwadar, may also experience similar weather conditions.
Authorities have warned that rising temperatures in northern areas could accelerate glacier melt, heightening the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides, particularly in vulnerable mountainous regions.
The NDMA has advised residents and tourists to avoid visiting areas near glacial lakes and to refrain from staying on unstable slopes. In southern regions, strong winds and possible hailstorms may pose a risk to weak structures, solar panels and parked vehicles.
Travellers have been urged to exercise caution, especially in hilly areas, where rain and landslides could disrupt road access and create hazardous conditions.
