The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) have issued a Pakistan weather alert, forecasting rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hailstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from March 9 to March 12, 2026.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), a westerly weather system moving across northern Pakistan is expected to bring gusty winds, light to moderate rainfall, cloudy conditions and isolated hailstorms, particularly in the upper and central regions of the country.
Authorities have urged residents, travelers and farmers to remain cautious and closely follow official weather advisories during the forecast period.
Rain and Thunderstorms Expected in Islamabad and Potohar Region
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted rain and thunderstorms in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Potohar region beginning Monday night (March 9) and continuing until Wednesday (March 11).
Areas likely to experience strong winds and rainfall include:
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Attock
- Chakwal
- Jhelum
- Mianwali
Meteorologists say cloudy skies, light to moderate showers and gusty winds are expected in these areas, while isolated hailstorms may occur in Islamabad and nearby hill regions, including Murree and Galiyat.
Daytime temperatures in affected areas could drop by 3–4°C due to the approaching weather system.
KP Districts Likely to Receive Rain and Strong Winds
Several districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to experience rain and gusty winds between March 9 and March 11.
Forecast-affected districts include:
Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mansehra, Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, Peshawar and Swabi.
Weather experts attribute the rainfall to western weather systems entering Pakistan from Afghanistan and Iran, bringing unstable atmospheric conditions across the region.
Also Read: Rain forecast for Islamabad as PMD predicts showers in parts of Pakistan
Rain Forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir
The northern areas of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, are also expected to witness light rain and partly cloudy skies during the same period.
Areas that may receive rainfall include:
- Astore
- Gilgit
- Skardu
- Diamer
- Ghizer
- Hunza
- Nagar
- Muzaffarabad
- Neelum
- Hattian Bala
- Bagh
- Haveli
- Poonch
The PMD has warned of potential landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas, advising tourists and travelers to remain cautious while traveling through hilly regions.
Air Pollution Risk and Travel Disruptions
Meteorologists also noted that winds originating from Iran may increase air pollution levels in western regions of Pakistan, potentially affecting individuals with respiratory conditions.
The expected rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms could also impact road travel, outdoor activities and farming operations, especially in northern and mountainous areas.
Pakistan Three-Month Weather Outlook (March–May 2026)
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has released a seasonal outlook for March to May 2026, predicting notable weather variations across the country.
Key highlights of the forecast include:
- Above-normal rainfall expected in central and western Pakistan
- Higher precipitation likely in southern KP, central Punjab and northern Balochistan
- Sindh expected to receive near-normal rainfall
- Central and southern Balochistan likely to experience normal rainfall levels
Meteorologists say the strong influence of western weather systems during the spring season could bring frequent rain spells to northern and central Pakistan.
NDMA Advises Public to Stay Alert
The NDMA has urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly in regions vulnerable to hailstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Emergency services and provincial authorities have been instructed to stay prepared for possible weather-related incidents, while residents are advised to follow official weather updates and safety guidelines to avoid potential risks.
