Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert for May 19 to 22, according to reports today. The alert has warned of thunderstorms, strong winds, rain, and possible hailstorms in different parts of the country.
According to the NDMA, Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms during the four-day period.
Some of the areas may also experience hailstorms because of unstable weather conditions.
The authority also said that northern regions are likely to receive rainfall as the weather system moves across the country. These include Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir
Meanwhile, Sindh is expected to remain under severe heatwave conditions. Hot and dry weather is also likely to continue in most parts of the province. In addition, temperatures may rise further in the coming days.
The NDMA has advised people to stay careful. It has also advised to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, and follow official safety instructions to avoid accidents and damage.
NDMA issues nationwide alert
Previously, on May 15, the NDMA had also issued a weather alert warning of strong winds, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in many parts of the country within 12 to 24 hours.
The authority said bad weather was expected in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan. In addition to this, rain and cloudy weather were also forecast for Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The NDMA had further warned about the risk of flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods. This happens mainly due to rising temperatures and melting glaciers. People were advised to stay away from glacial lakes and other dangerous areas.
Prior to that, the Meteorological Department had predicted rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in various parts of the country from April 24 to 29.
The advisory stated that Sindh, southern Punjab and parts of Balochistan were likely to face intense heatwave conditions.
