NDMA warns of thunderstorms, rain, hailstorms in various parts of country

ISLAMABAD, Mar 24 (APP): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible thunderstorms, rainfall, strong winds and hailstorms in various parts of the country between March 24 and 31.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), a weather system entering from the southwestern belt of Balochistan is expected to impact most regions nationwide during this period.

Rainfall is expected to intensify across Punjab between March 28 and 30, with chances of hailstorms at isolated places.

The NDMA has urged the public and relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimize risks associated with severe weather conditions.

Rain is forecast in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin, on March 25 and 26.

Rain is also forecast in several other cities of Punjab, including Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan, on March 25 and 26.

Various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to receive rain accompanied by windstorms from March 25 to 26.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Malakand, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur.

Rain is also expected in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

Rainfall is expected to intensify across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 28 to 30, with snowfall likely in hilly areas and chances of hailstorms at isolated places.

Rain is forecast in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza and Shigar, as well as Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber and Neelum Valley, on March 25–26 and again from March 28–30. Snowfall is likely in upper areas, while a few parts of Azad Kashmir may also experience hailstorms.

Rain is forecast in several cities of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kharan, Chagai, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar, Lasbela, Loralai and Mastung, from March 24 to 25 and again between March 27 and 29.

In Balochistan, hailstorms are possible at a few locations. Meanwhile, rain accompanied by windstorms is forecast in several cities of Sindh, including Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad and Larkana, on March 25–26 and again from March 28–29.

Strong winds, lightning and hail across the country may damage weak structures, trees and power lines. Rain is also likely to make roads slippery, raising the risk of traffic disruptions.

Snowfall in hilly areas may disrupt traffic flow, and travelers have been advised to exercise caution. City residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully, and follow official weather instructions.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised the public to stay away from trees, weak structures and installations during strong winds and storms. Tourists and travelers have also been urged to check weather and road conditions before heading to northern areas.

The NDMA has advised the public to obtain timely information through its official app, Pak NDMA Disaster Alert. The Authority has also directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on alert to deal with possible weather conditions.