NEOC warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail likely across multiple regions in next 24 hours
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday issued a nationwide weather alert warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstorms expected to affect large parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
The warning was issued by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), which said the weather system could impact Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities said the developing system may cause disruption to daily life, with potential damage to homes, crops, power infrastructure and transport networks.
In Islamabad and Punjab, cities including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin are expected to receive rain accompanied by gusty winds and possible hail.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera, among other districts.
In Balochistan, Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman and surrounding areas are also likely to experience stormy conditions.
The NDMA warned that lightning, strong winds and hail could damage weak structures, standing crops, trees and electricity infrastructure, while slippery roads may lead to traffic disruptions.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, remain cautious during storms and check weather and road conditions before heading to northern regions.
Provincial and district disaster management authorities have been placed on high alert to respond to any emergencies.
Meteorologists say such pre-monsoon systems are not unusual but can become hazardous due to strong localized wind and hail activity.
