Windstorms and heavy rain expected across Pakistan in next 24 hours

ISLAMABAD: The Meteorological Department has forecast windstorms, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall in several parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the Met Office, a weather system is likely to affect Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Sindh. Some areas may also experience hailstorms.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms are expected in cities including Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, and Charsadda during the evening. Strong winds and thunderstorms may also hit areas such as Swat, Kalam, Dir, Chitral, Shangla, and Buner.

Heavy rain is likely in upper districts including Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, and Haripur. Meanwhile, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, and Khyber may also receive rain and thunderstorms.

Other regions such as Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Parachinar, and Waziristan are also expected to see wind and rain. In some high-altitude areas, there is a chance of hailstorms.

The Met Office reported 8 mm of rainfall in Pattan and 7 mm in Parachinar during the last 24 hours.

The NDMA has also warned that ongoing rainfall combined with rising temperatures could speed up glacier melting. This may increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, and landslides in vulnerable areas.