According to various regions of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, it will rain with thunderstorms
The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday warned of nationwide thunderstorms and rainfall over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to an advisory issued by the authority, a westerly wind system from the southwest belt of Balochistan is likely to affect most areas, bringing rains accompanied by strong winds and gusty storms.
The NDMA warned that continued rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwal. Residents in vulnerable localities have been advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimize potential damage.
Rain accompanied by thunderstorm and strong winds are expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin during the next 12 to 24 hours. Rainfall is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.
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The advisory said that various parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are expected to experience rains accompanied by thunderstorms, dust storms and strong winds, with chances of hail at isolated places.
In view of the expected downpours, the NDMA has issued an alert for possible floods in several districts of KP and Balochistan. Flash floods are expected in Balochistan, especially in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela.
In KP, flood-like conditions are expected in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Parachinar, Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi. Authorities have advised precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.
Snowfall is also expected in upper and mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and KP during the next 12 to 24 hours.
Rain accompanied by thunderstorm and strong winds are likely in several districts of KP, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur. Dust storms, strong winds and rain are also expected in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
The NDMA also forecasts rainfall in parts of GB and Azad Kashmir including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Neelum Valley.
In Balochistan, rains are expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela during the same period.
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Rains accompanied by thunderstorms are also expected in cities of Sindh including Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Khairpur and Larkana.
The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms could damage fragile structures, trees and power lines. Precipitation could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic, while snowfall in mountainous areas could disrupt travel.
Continued precipitation in mountainous regions can increase the risk of landslides. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully and follow official weather advisories. During high winds and storms, the public is urged to stay away from trees, fragile structures and facilities.
The authority also advised tourists and travelers heading to northern areas to be cautious and check weather and road conditions in advance, while encouraging citizens to get timely updates through its official mobile application, ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’.
Meanwhile, the NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on alert and take necessary measures to deal with the expected weather situation.
