The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued multiple weather alerts warning of possible heatwaves, heavy rains, thunderstorms, hailstorms, flash floods and landslides in various parts of the country between May 11 and May 18.
According to the advisory, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in several districts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the next 12 to 24 hours, while hailstorms may also occur at isolated locations.
The NDMA said districts likely to receive rain and thunderstorms in Punjab include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore and Kasur, among others.
Rain with thunderstorms has also been forecast for various areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Mirpur and adjoining regions.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are likely in districts including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan, while hailstorms are also expected at some locations.
Flood Alert
The disaster management authority has separately issued a flood alert for northern areas from May 11 to 17, warning that rising temperatures and rapid glacier melting could increase the risk of floods, flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.
According to the NDMA, vulnerable areas include glacier regions of Hunza, Ghizer, Chitral, Swat, Skardu and Kohistan, where glacial lake outburst floods may pose a threat to low-lying and sensitive areas.
The authority warned that sudden increases in water levels in glacial lakes could trigger emergencies in nearby communities and advised citizens to avoid visiting glacial lakes or staying near unstable mountain slopes.
Heatwave advisory
Meanwhile, the NDMA also issued a nationwide heatwave advisory for May 12 to 18, warning that severe heat is likely to persist in southern and central parts of the country for three to five days.
The advisory stated that lower Sindh, southern Punjab and eastern Balochistan are expected to face the most intense temperatures.
Districts likely to be affected in Punjab include Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur.
In Sindh, extreme heat is expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Tharparkar and Umerkot.
Similarly, high temperatures are forecast in several districts of Balochistan, including Turbat, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Lasbela and Panjgur.
The NDMA warned that the heatwave could lead to heatstroke, water shortages and other health complications, particularly among elderly citizens, children, patients and people working outdoors.
The authority also cautioned about a possible increase in electricity demand, water scarcity and adverse impacts on agriculture and livestock due to the prolonged hot weather.
Citizens have been advised to drink plenty of water, avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight, wear light clothing and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.
District administrations across the country have been directed to keep heatwave response plans active, establish cooling centres and ensure uninterrupted water supply in vulnerable areas.
The NDMA further warned that strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles, while rainfall in mountainous regions may create travel difficulties.
People have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions, remain in safe places during storms and continue monitoring official weather advisories and emergency instructions.