The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an important weather advisory warning residents of several regions in Pakistan about the likelihood of rainfall, strong winds, and potential hailstorms between March 9 and March 12, 2026. This forecast covers a wide geographical area including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, the Potohar Plateau, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, signaling a shift in weather patterns that could impact daily life and local activities.
the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the upcoming weather system is expected to bring light to moderate rain showers across various districts. In particular, the Potohar region—which encompasses Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Mianwali—is predicted to experience not only rainfall but also gusty winds within the next 12 to 24 hours. Authorities have also highlighted the possibility of hailstorms in the higher altitude areas surrounding Islamabad and other Potohar districts, which could pose risks to agriculture and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, from March 9 to 11, several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to face gusty winds accompanied by intermittent rainfall. The affected areas include a broad range of districts such as Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mansehra, Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, Peshawar, and Swabi. The combination of wind and rain may lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility, prompting local authorities to advise caution for commuters and outdoor workers.
In addition to KP, parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are expected to witness partly cloudy skies with occasional light rain during the same timeframe. Specific regions forecasted to receive precipitation include Astore, Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, and Poonch. These northern areas, known for their rugged terrain and cooler climate, may also experience fluctuating temperatures due to the incoming weather system.
The NDMA has emphasized its ongoing coordination with provincial and local authorities to ensure timely dissemination of weather alerts and to enhance preparedness measures. The agency has urged the public to stay updated on weather developments through official channels and to take necessary precautions, especially in vulnerable areas prone to flooding or landslides. This advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of community awareness and readiness in mitigating the impacts of sudden weather changes during the pre-monsoon season.
