ISLAMABAD: The National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a nationwide weather alert, forecasting rain, windstorms, thunderstorms, hail and snowfall in several parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the NDMA, the current weather conditions are in line with the seasonal outlook issued earlier in January. The authority is also preparing a detailed assessment of the expected weather pattern from April to June.
The NEOC said strong winds, dust storms, and thunderstorms with scattered hail are likely in multiple regions, while snowfall is expected in the upper and mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Battagram and Mansehra. Similar conditions are likely in Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and parts of South Waziristan.
In Punjab, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan and Bahawalpur are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, snowfall is forecast in several areas including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Kotli and Mirpur.
In Balochistan, rain and gusty winds are expected in Quetta, Zhob, Loralai, Ziarat, Kalat, Chaman, Khuzdar, Panjgur, Gwadar, Nushki, Turbat, Barkhan and adjoining areas.
The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms may damage weak structures, trees, standing crops and power infrastructure. It also cautioned that roads may become slippery, causing traffic disruptions, while landslides are possible in hilly regions.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully, and follow official weather advisories. Tourists and travelers have been urged to check weather and road conditions before visiting northern areas.
The authority further directed all relevant provincial and district administrations to remain on alert to deal with any emergency situation.
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