NDMA issues countrywide weather alert
The National Disaster Management Authority on Monday issued a countrywide weather alert, warning of rain, thunderstorms, hails and strong winds in multiple regions over the next 12 to 24 hours, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), the prevailing weather pattern is consistent with forecasts released earlier this year, with westerly winds expected to affect most parts of the country.
The alert said rain accompanied by gusty winds is likely in several regions, while snowfall is expected in upper and mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Thunderstorms, windstorms, and hail are also forecast in parts of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and KP, with several districts likely to experience intense weather conditions.
In KP, rain with strong winds is expected in areas including Chitral, Swat, Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Mansehra, among others.
Meanwhile, Islamabad and cities across Punjab, such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Narowal, Sargodha, and Jhang, are likely to witness thunderstorms and rainfall during the same period.
In Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, rain with strong winds and thundershowers is anticipated. Similar conditions are forecast in parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Loralai, Qila Saifullah, and Qila Abdullah.
The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms could damage vulnerable structures, trees, standing crops, and power infrastructure. Rainfall may also make roads slippery, disrupting traffic, while snowfall in mountainous areas could affect travel.
It further cautioned about the risk of landslides in hilly regions due to continuous rainfall, advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution while driving.
Tourists have been urged to check weather and road conditions before travelling to northern areas, while the authority has directed provincial and district administrations to remain on alert and take necessary preparedness measures to deal with any emergencies.
Reporter: Rozina Ali