Islamabad:The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday warned of heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, hailstorm and snowfall across the country, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, until March 31, urging people to exercise caution.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, a weather system entering from southwestern Balochistan is expected to affect most regions across the country. In Punjab, rain is forecast in major cities including Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Gujranwala and Rahim Yar Khan on March 25 and 26, with hail possible at isolated locations. More rainfall is expected in parts of the province between March 28 and 30.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts such as Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan could witness rain, thunderstorms and windstorms on March 25 and 26, with rainfall intensifying from March 28 to 30. Snowfall is likely in hilly areas and hailstorms may occur at isolated locations.
Northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley, are expected to see rain and snowfall on March 25-26 and from March 28 to 30, with hailstorms possible in select locations.
In Balochistan, cities including Quetta, Zhob, Chaman, Turbat and Gwadar could face rainfall and isolated hailstorms on March 25-26 and from March 27 to 29. Sindh cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana are also forecast to receive rain accompanied by windstorms on March 25-26 and March 28-29.
The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorm could damage weak structures, trees and power lines, while rainfall was likely to make roads slippery, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
Also, snowfall in hilly areas could disrupt travel, so residents and tourists should exercise caution. The authority urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay clear of trees and unstable structures and follow official weather updates. Travelers to northern areas should check road and weather conditions in advance. The NDMA also asked provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert to respond to potential emergencies.
