The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather advisory, warning of inclement weather in various parts of Pakistan from May 27 to June 1 and urging authorities to ensure emergency preparedness.
In its impact-based weather alert, the NDMA has said strong western weather systems are expected to affect various parts of the country the rest of this week. The systems, it said, could bring rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hailstorms.
According to the advisory, the federal capital may experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds. In Punjab, severe weather is likely in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Okara, and Kasur. In southern Punjab, moderate rain and gusty winds may affect Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Muzaffargarh from May 27-29.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected in Swat, Dir, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Chitral, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Charsadda, Hangu, D.I. Khan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Waziristan from May 27-29. Similarly, Balochistan’s Quetta, Zhob, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbela, Mastung, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, and Awaran may also experience rain and thunderstorms from May 27-29.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir also have forecasts for heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and landslides in Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from May 27-June 1.
However, hot and dry conditions are likely to prevail in Sindh, with no significant rainfall forecast from May 27-29.
The NDMA has urged all provincial and district authorities to ensure emergency preparedness, remain vigilant, and coordinate with local response units for timely action. It has said it would continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide timely updates.
The NDMA has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in hilly and flood-prone areas; secure weak structures, trees, power lines, and solar panels; and park vehicles in secure and covered locations. Farmers have been urged to take precautions to protect standing crops from potential hailstorms and gusty winds, while travelers and tourists are advised to exercise caution during outdoor and mountain excursions.