Weather alert: Islamabad, Punjab to face strong winds, heavy rain

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for the federal capital, warning of heavy rain and hailstorm in the next two to four hours.

The alert states that strong winds, rainfall, and hail are expected in Islamabad and surrounding areas.

Dark clouds have already covered the skies over Islamabad, accompanied by thunder and lightning. It is worth noting that just two days ago, a sudden hailstorm in the city caused damage to property, including shattered car windows.

The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has issued an advisory for Punjab, Islamabad, and northern regions, forecasting thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hailstorms in various areas over the next 12 hours.

According to the advisory, heavy rains and storms are expected in Upper Punjab areas such as Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, and Jhelum, and in Central Punjab including Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali, Lahore, Narowal, Sahiwal, Sargodha, and Sheikhupura.

NDMA has warned that heavy rain and strong winds may lead to power outages due to falling trees and damage to weak structures, rooftops, vehicles, and power poles. Hailstorms also pose a serious threat to standing crops.

Flooding is also forecast in streams and rivers across northern areas including Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Chitral, Mansehra, Kurram, Khyber, Mohmand, Bajaur, and the Neelum Valley from April 18 to 20.

The NDMA has urged tourists and travelers to stay updated on the latest weather reports, check road conditions before travel, and avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rain. Tourists are advised to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App to stay informed about weather updates before beginning their journey.