NDMA raises red flag over powerful storm system expected across multiple regions

Says current weather matches NEOC's climate assessment issued months earlier

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that several parts of Pakistan were likely to experience heavy rain, windstorms, thunderstorms and hailstorms during the next 12 to 24 hours due to prevailing weather conditions already predicted in its seasonal outlook.

According to the NDMA’s Media Wing, the current weather pattern was fully consistent with the NEOC’s earlier climate assessment issued three to four months ago for the April-to-June period.

The authority said Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were expected to receive widespread rainfall accompanied by strong winds and hail at isolated locations.

The alert stated that heavy rain and thunderstorms were 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 G-B and Azad Kashmir, rainfall with thunderstorm activity was expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.

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The NEOC also forecast strong winds and thunderstorms in several districts of K-P, including 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, with hailstorms likely at some locations.

The NDMA warned that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier and snow melting in northern regions, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas.

Citizens were advised to avoid visiting glacial lakes and dangerous slopes, while travellers were urged to exercise caution as adverse weather could disrupt movement in hilly regions. The authority also warned that strong winds and hailstorms may damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles.

The NDMA urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions, stay in safe locations during windstorms and follow instructions issued by local administrations and weather advisory authorities.

The authority further directed all relevant departments and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert and ensure advance preparedness measures to deal with any potential emergency situation.