The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-alert weather advisory on Thursday, warning citizens across Pakistan to brace for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms, with the potential for damage to crops, vehicles, and solar panels.
According to the NDMA, a new weather system is sweeping across the country, bringing with it the likelihood of heavy rains and hailstorms in various regions. The authority has urged the public to take precautionary measures and stay updated with local forecasts.
An advisory has predicted heavy rain, strong winds, and hail for Islamabad and Rawalpindi by 11pm on Thursday, with similar weather expected in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab, and southern Punjab. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts like Peshawar, Charsadda, Swabi, and Mardan are likely to face intense storms with hail and strong winds. In south Punjab, areas such as Rahim Yar Khan and Sadiqabad may also receive heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The advisory also warns that areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley, will face thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. In the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, landslides may occur due to saturated soil and continuous rain.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that this severe weather may damage standing crops, vehicles, and solar systems. Farmers and rural communities are advised to protect their fields and equipment, while urban residents should avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors during storm peaks.
At a press conference in Islamabad, the Director General of the Meteorological Department, Mehr Sahibzad Khan, issued a high-alert advisory, warning of a stronger-than-usual monsoon season this year with above-average rainfall expected in many parts of Pakistan. This could lead to floods and landslides.
He said the department is closely coordinating with NDMA and the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) to stay prepared for possible extreme weather events. He explained that monsoon in Pakistan usually begins in July and lasts until mid-October, but this year’s forecast is being shared a month early to help ensure early preparedness.
Central and southern parts of Pakistan may receive 20% more rainfall than usual, while northeastern Punjab and Kashmir are also expected to face heavier rain, which could lead to urban and river flooding. In contrast, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan may see slightly below-average rainfall, but the rising temperatures in those regions could still trigger glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
Khan warned of potential flooding and landslides due to the expected rise in rainfall and temperature and urged all concerned departments to take early precautions, especially in low-lying areas of Sindh and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
