close

Mercury expected to rise across country from May 18: NDMA

NEOC predicts scattered rainfall and thunderstorm and isolated hailstorm in parts of country

By Web Desk
May 16, 2026
A volunteer sprays water on passerby to cool off on a hot summer day in Karachi, May 4, 2026. — Online
A volunteer sprays water on passerby to cool off on a hot summer day in Karachi, May 4, 2026. — Online

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast a rise in temperatures across Pakistan from May 18, while predicting scattered rainfall in several parts of the country.

In a weather advisory issued on Friday, NDMA's National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) forecast scattered rainfall, thunderstorm, windstorm, and isolated hailstorm in different districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Multan, Sahiwal, Okara, Sialkot, Kasur, Lahore, and surrounding areas from May 19 to 22.

However, temperature will also steadily rise throughout the province till May 23, it said.

Sindh is expected to remain mainly hot and dry, with mercury steadily rising throughout the province during the period between May 18 and 23.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is also expected to experience isolated rainfall, thunderstorm, windstorm, and isolated hailstorm in districts including Chitral, Dir, Mingora, Batkhela, Thal, Karak, Bannu, Mansehra, Abbotabad, Swat, Peshawar, Landi Kotal and surrounding areas, with temperature also steadily increasing throughout the province.

In Balochistan, scattered rainfall, thunderstorm, windstorm, and isolated hailstorm is likely in districts including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Khuzdar, and surrounding areas from May 19 to 22.

"The province is expected to remain mainly hot and dry. Temperature will also steadily rise throughout the province," the NEOC said.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, isolated rainfall, thunderstorm, windstorm, and isolated hailstorm are expected in districts including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh, Garhi Duppatta, Kahuta, and surrounding areas.

During the period, the temperature will also steadily increase throughout the region.