The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), has issued a nationwide weather alert warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, fog, smog and possible snowfall across several parts of Pakistan, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as adverse weather conditions are expected to affect multiple districts, particularly during the coming period.
According to the alert, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab and the Potohar region are likely to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. The NDMA expects heavy downpours at isolated locations in Potohar, Murree and the Galiyat region.
Meanwhile, dense fog and smog are likely to develop during nighttime hours in Narowal, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Lahore, Khanewal, Faisalabad, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur and adjoining areas, potentially reducing visibility and disrupting road traffic.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in several districts, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan and Swabi. Similar weather conditions are forecast for Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and North and South Waziristan, where scattered rainfall and strong winds are expected.
The NDMA further warned that intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms would continue across the upper and plains districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy rainfall is particularly expected in upper districts, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra and Abbottabad. Snowfall is also likely in mountainous areas, while isolated locations may experience hailstorms.
The adverse weather could increase the risk of landslides and slippery road conditions, posing risks to commuters and residents in vulnerable areas. The authority has advised people travelling through mountainous regions to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary journeys.
The NDMA has also directed relevant departments and authorities to remain on high alert and closely monitor potential landslides, road conditions and other weather-related hazards. The NDMA urged the public to obtain verified weather information and the latest emergency alerts through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
