National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issues weather outlook
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), has issued a nationwide weather outlook from Tuesday to Friday. The advisory warns of intense heat, thunderstorms, flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides and wildfire risks across different parts of the country.
Two separate weather systems are expected during the coming week: A weak moist current affecting southern and eastern regions, while a westerly weather system impacts northern parts of Pakistan. In Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, scattered dust storms, thunderstorms, rain accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected with occasional gaps. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will see scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorms in central and southern districts, along with dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain in northeastern Balochistan and Sindh’s upper parts.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain-wind/thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur with occasional gaps. Rain, wind, and thunderstorms are also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar.
The Met Office warns of potential damage to vulnerable structures such as solar panels, electric poles, and billboards due to windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning. Landslides are also expected in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
All concerned ministries and departments have been advised to ensure necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation during the forecast period.