The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive weather forecast predicting a spell of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across various parts of Pakistan from March 17 through March 25. This alert comes as a new system of western disturbances is set to influence the country’s northern and western areas, bringing significant changes in weather patterns over the coming days.
The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operations Centre has highlighted that the upper and central regions of Punjab province will be particularly affected. Cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Sialkot, Gujranwala, and Lahore, along with their surrounding vicinities, are expected to experience intermittent rainfall accompanied by strong, gusty winds. In some areas, the weather may escalate to thunderstorms and even hail, which could disrupt daily life and transportation.
Meanwhile, the southern districts of Punjab are not exempt from this weather activity. Areas such as Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan are also forecasted to receive rainfall during this period. The NDMA has emphasized that these conditions may lead to localized flooding or waterlogging, urging local administrations to prepare accordingly.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts are likely to face intermittent heavy winds and thunderstorms throughout the forecast window. This is expected to bring a mix of rain showers and turbulent weather, which could impact outdoor activities and agricultural operations. Additionally, the hilly terrains of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are predicted to witness snowfall along with rain and thunderstorms, signaling a shift towards colder conditions in these mountainous regions.
Balochistan is also set to experience unsettled weather, with intermittent storms, strong winds, and rainfall anticipated from March 17 to March 23. These conditions may pose challenges for the province’s infrastructure and rural communities, necessitating timely precautions. On the other hand, Sindh’s weather is expected to remain predominantly dry, although scattered rain showers could occur in some districts including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu, Karachi, and Hyderabad, potentially providing some relief from the recent dry spell.
In light of these forecasts, the NDMA has called on all provincial and district authorities to stay alert and implement necessary precautionary measures to mitigate any adverse effects. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather and to adhere strictly to safety guidelines issued by local officials. The NDMA also encourages the public to stay informed by regularly checking updates through its official social media platforms and the Pakistan NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application, which provides real-time weather alerts and safety information.
This proactive approach by the NDMA aims to minimize risks associated with sudden weather changes and to ensure the safety and well-being of communities across Pakistan during this period of potentially disruptive weather.
