Punjab, KP, Balochistan and northern areas expected to see thunderstorms and hail
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued an alert forecasting widespread rains, windstorms and isolated hailstorms across several parts of Pakistan starting May 18 and continuing through the weekend.
The advisory said multiple regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and northern areas, are likely to experience unstable weather conditions, with strong winds and intermittent rainfall.
Punjab expected to see dust storms and hail
According to the forecast, Punjab may experience rain, dust storms and isolated hailstorms in several cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Sialkot, Kasur and Multan, among others.
Balochistan faces strong winds and rain
In Balochistan, the NDMA predicted strong winds accompanied by rain and isolated hailstorms in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman and Khuzdar, while other districts may experience rising temperatures during the forecast period.
KP, GB and AJK also under weather alert
The authority further said parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Swat, Peshawar, Bannu, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Landi Kotal, could receive thunderstorms and rainfall.
Similarly, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to witness thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms in areas such as Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh and Kotli.
NDMA urges precaution
The NDMA advised relevant authorities and the public to take precautionary measures amid the forecast, as strong winds and hailstorms may disrupt travel, infrastructure and daily activities in affected regions.