The National Disaster Management Authority has issued a nationwide weather alert forecasting rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across Pakistan from March 17 to 25, including during Eid ul Fitr holidays.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre, a fresh westerly weather system entered the country on March 17 evening and is expected to spread across multiple regions in phases.
- The system is likely to bring:
- Light to moderate rainfall
- Thunderstorms with gusty winds
- Isolated hailstorms in some areas
- Noticeable drop in temperatures
In Punjab, rain and thunderstorms are expected in major areas including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Murree, Galyat, Sialkot and Gujranwala. Upper Punjab may also witness isolated hailstorms.
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Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad and Bannu, are likely to experience intermittent rain and strong winds.
In Balochistan, rainfall and storms are forecast from March 17 to 23, particularly in western and hilly regions.
Sindh is expected to remain mostly dry, but scattered rain and thunderstorms may hit cities like Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad and Jacobabad.
Experts say this system is part of seasonal westerly disturbances that typically bring changing weather patterns in March.
NDMA has directed authorities to stay on alert and advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, remain cautious during storms and follow updates through official channels and the PAK NDMA Disaster Alert app.
