Shafaqna Pakistan: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms, heatwave conditions, and possible glacial flooding from May 11 to 18.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunder is expected over the next 12 to 24 hours in parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, with isolated hailstorms also likely.
Major cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot may receive heavy rainfall along with strong winds.
Similar weather conditions are forecast for northern areas such as Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad.
The authority also warned of increased risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in northern regions between May 11 and 17 due to accelerated glacier melting caused by rising temperatures. Vulnerable areas including Hunza, Chitral, Swat, and Kohistan face heightened risks of flash floods and landslides.
Meanwhile, a heatwave alert has been issued from May 12 to 18, with southern and central parts of the country expected to experience intense heat for up to five days. Regions in Sindh, southern Punjab and eastern Balochistan — including Karachi, Hyderabad, Multan and Bahawalpur — are likely to be most affected.
Authorities cautioned that extreme heat may lead to heatstroke, dehydration and increased pressure on electricity and water resources, while agriculture and livestock could also be impacted.
The NDMA has advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, and follow official advisories. Local administrations have been directed to activate heatwave response plans, establish cooling centres and ensure water supply.
Source: Dunya News
