NDMA warns of thunderstorms, snowfall in next 24 hours

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Mar, 2026) The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned the public to remain alert, warning that thunderstorms and snowfall are likely to hit various parts of the country within the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the alert, a westerly weather system is set to sweep across most parts of the country within the next 12 to 24 hours, bringing strong winds, dust storms, and additional rainfall.

Over the next 12 to 24 hours, snowfall is also expected in the upper and mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds, and dust storms is likely in parts of Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with chances of hailstorms at isolated locations.

Rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab over the next 12 to 24 hours, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, and Lahore.

Rain is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Bahawalpur, Burewala, Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, Narowal, Chiniot, Nankana Sahib, Pakpattan, and Sahiwal.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in the upper and southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the next 12 to 24 hours.

Cities including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Battagram, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat are also likely to receive rain with gusty winds.

Rain is also expected in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche, Nagar, Ghizer, Kharmang, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli, Poonch, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, and Neelum Valley.

Rain is expected in several cities of Balochistan over the next 12 to 24 hours, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Pishin, Chaman, Kohlu, Duki, and Harnai.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) cautioned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms across the country may damage weak structures, trees, and power lines.

It added that rain could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in mountainous areas may also affect travel, advising commuters to exercise vigilance.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned that persistent rainfall in mountainous regions may heighten the risk of landslides. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution while driving, and strictly follow official weather advisories.

Authorities further advised the public to stay clear of trees, weak structures, and installations during strong winds and storms. Tourists and travelers planning trips to northern areas have been instructed to check weather and road conditions beforehand.

The NDMA encouraged citizens to remain updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application. Provincial and district administrations have been directed to stay vigilant and take all necessary measures to cope with the expected weather situation.