NDMA Issues High-Alert Advisory for Thunderstorms, Hailstorms Across Pakistan
Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Flood Risk Loom as Monsoon Season Nears
ISLAMABAD – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-alert weather advisory, warning of potentially hazardous weather conditions across Pakistan, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms that could damage crops, vehicles, and solar infrastructure.
According to the NDMA, a new weather system is sweeping the country, expected to bring heavy rainfall and hail to several regions. Citizens have been urged to stay indoors during severe weather, follow local advisories, and take precautionary measures.
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Widespread Storms Expected
The advisory forecasts heavy rain, wind, and hail in Islamabad and Rawalpindi beginning Thursday night around 11 PM. Similar conditions are expected in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), north and south Punjab.
Districts in KP, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Swabi, and Mardan, are likely to be impacted by strong thunderstorms and gusty winds. In southern Punjab, areas like Rahim Yar Khan and Sadiqabad are also forecasted to receive intense rain and thunderstorm activity.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley may see heavy downpours, while mountainous regions in Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK face risks of landslides due to persistent rainfall and saturated soil.
Threats to Crops and Infrastructure
The NDMA has cautioned that the upcoming severe weather could damage standing crops, solar panels, and vehicles. Farmers have been advised to protect their fields and machinery, and urban dwellers are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel and stay indoors during storm events.
Met Office Warns of Above-Average Monsoon Rainfall
In a related development, Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Mehr Sahibzad Khan, also issued a high-alert warning regarding the 2025 monsoon season. Speaking at a press briefing, he noted that this year’s monsoon is expected to begin earlier than usual and will likely bring above-normal rainfall.
“Monsoon typically starts in July and runs through mid-October,” Khan said. “However, forecasts suggest an early onset with 20% more rainfall than average in central and southern regions, while northeastern Punjab and Kashmir may face heavy downpours that could trigger urban flooding.”
He also warned of the potential for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in northern KP and Gilgit-Baltistan, where temperatures are expected to rise despite slightly below-normal rainfall.
The Met Office and NDMA are coordinating with provincial disaster authorities to ensure preparedness across vulnerable regions, particularly low-lying areas in Sindh and upper KP.
