ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a weather alert warning of thunderstorms, strong winds and hail across several parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre said the current weather system aligns with forecasts issued three to four months earlier, adding that advance warnings for the April-to-June seasonal outlook had already been shared.
According to the alert, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to experience rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds, while isolated areas may also see hailstorms.
In Punjab, rainfall is 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, rain with thunder is forecast for Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall and isolated hailstorms are expected in 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.
The NDMA warned that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier melt, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
It advised citizens to avoid travelling near glacial lakes, stay away from hazardous slopes and remain indoors during severe weather conditions.
The authority also cautioned that strong winds and hail could damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles, while travel in mountainous regions may become difficult.
NDMA has instructed relevant departments to remain on high alert and ensure timely precautionary measures
