The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather advisory for the period from Tuesday to Friday, warning of intense heat, thunderstorms, flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides and wildfire risks in various parts of the country.
Weather Systems Affecting Pakistan
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), two weather systems are expected to affect Pakistan during the coming days. A weak moist current is likely to influence southern and eastern regions, while a westerly system is expected to impact northern areas.
Expected Conditions in Different Regions
Under the influence of these systems, scattered dust storms, thunderstorms and rain, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are forecast for Islamabad and several districts of Punjab.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in central and southern districts, with the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms. Similar weather conditions are likely in northeastern Balochistan, while upper parts of Sindh may also receive dust storms, thunderstorms and rain.
The advisory said scattered rain and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, were expected in several areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.
Rain, wind and thunderstorms are also forecast in various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
Potential Hazards and Precautions
The authority warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure such as electric poles, billboards and solar panels during the forecast period. It also cautioned about the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while urging residents, tourists and local administrations to take necessary precautions.
Government Response
The NDMA said all relevant ministries, departments and provincial authorities had been advised to remain alert and ensure preventive measures to minimise the impact of any adverse weather-related incidents.
