Pakistan enters critical 24-hour weather window, warns NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a countrywide weather advisory, warning that several regions of Pakistan may face thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain, urban flooding, and glacier-related flood hazards over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the expected weather conditions align with the seasonal forecast released several months earlier. The NDMA stated that it has been regularly sharing advance weather warnings and risk assessments with federal, provincial, and district authorities to support preparedness and emergency response efforts.

The forecast predicts widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms, windstorms, and dust storms across much of the country.

Rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Thunderstorms and rainfall are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur, and Bhimber.

Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan.

Thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar, and Zhob. Meanwhile, parts of Sindh, including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Karachi, may experience strong winds, dust storms, and isolated rainfall.

The NDMA has also warned of a heightened risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir. Such events could lead to sudden flooding, landslides, and debris flows in vulnerable mountainous regions.

Authorities have directed district administrations and relevant agencies to closely monitor high-risk areas and remain on alert. Rescue and emergency teams have also been instructed to maintain readiness for any developing situation.

Tourists and travelers are advised to avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy rainfall and to check weather updates and road conditions before visiting northern areas, where flooding, landslides, and debris flows may cause road closures.

The NDMA has urged the public to stay informed through its Disaster Alert mobile application and to contact local authorities or emergency services immediately if assistance is needed.

Additionally, all provincial and district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures to minimize the potential impact of the approaching weather system.