The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide warning on Monday, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by rain and potential hail across various regions within the next 12 to 24 hours. The alert specifically targets Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, aligning with earlier forecasts from the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC).
This weather pattern corresponds with the seasonal outlook the NDMA released three to four months ago for the April to June timeframe. In Punjab, several districts are expected to experience strong winds, lightning, and rainfall, with isolated hailstorms possible. Affected cities include Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Layyah, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Jhang, and Multan.
Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is forecast to see gusty winds and thunderstorms, with hail in some areas. Districts such as 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 are expected to be affected.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rain accompanied by thunder is anticipated in Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, as well as Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, and Bhimber.
The NDMA has cautioned that rising temperatures could accelerate the melting of glaciers and snow, heightening the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, and landslides, especially in mountainous regions. Authorities have urged the public to avoid visiting glacial lakes and unstable slopes. Travelers in hilly areas should prepare for possible disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, the NDMA warned that strong winds and hail could damage fragile structures, solar panels, and vehicles. People are advised to remain indoors during storms and avoid unnecessary travel. All relevant departments have been instructed to stay vigilant and implement precautionary measures. The public is encouraged to monitor official weather updates and utilize the NDMA disaster alert mobile application for timely information.
