Weather update: NDMA issues heavy rain alert

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert. As thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms occur throughout various regions of Pakistan during this time frame, upper & central Punjab will be subjected to periods of intermittent rain with strong winds during April 18 – April 19.

Thunderstorms are expected during this time frame in several major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad. In southern Punjab, there will be little precipitation, while there will be rain and thunderstorms in some cities of Balochistan on the 18th, 19th, 22nd, and 23rd.

Some of the cities that may get rain and thunderstorms include Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, and Khuzdar. Coastal areas of Pakistan, such as Gwadar, will have light rain and high winds. Sindh (Karachi) is expected to experience dust storms and thunderstorms with rain on April 19th and April 20th; however, it is also anticipated that temperatures in other cities will exceed averages.

There are also strong winds and rainfall expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, along with potential snowfall in elevated and mountain regions, which raises concerns about possible landslide hazards.

Local jurisdictions affected are advising their residents to take special care, especially in mountainous areas, as there may be possible life hazards due to weather conditions.