Heavy Rain and Storms Expected Across Pakistan Stay Safe Till May 5

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a countrywide weather alert, forecasting widespread rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms from today through May 5, 2025. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged provincial and local authorities to take preemptive measures to deal with potential emergencies such as urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides.

NDMA Advisory for Rain Emergency Preparedness

The NDMA, via its National Emergency Operation Center, highlighted that several regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), northeastern Punjab, Balochistan, and parts of Sindh, are likely to experience intense weather. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel, especially in landslide-prone areas, and to stay updated through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App.

Regional Weather Forecast Overview

Islamabad and Punjab

• Islamabad and surrounding areas will see partly cloudy conditions with intermittent rain and hailstorms.
• Heavy rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Chakwal, Attock, and Jhelum.
• Other affected cities include Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, and Khushab.
• Southern Punjab, including Multan, DG Khan, Mianwali, Bhakkar, and Bahawalpur, may face strong winds and lightning.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

• Cities like Chitral, Swat, Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, and Malakand are expected to receive heavy rain and hailstorms.
• Isolated heavy weather spells are also forecast in Lakki Marwat, Karak, Bajaur, Mohmand, and Swabi.

Sindh

• Thunderstorms and rain are likely in Sukkur, Mirpur Khas, Tharparkar, and Downstream Sindh.
• Evening rain with thunder may impact Ghotki, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, and Shaheed Benazirabad.

Balochistan

• Strong winds and rainfall are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Zhob, Mastung, Pishin, Loralai, and Khuzdar.
• Some areas may experience evening thunderstorms, particularly in Lasbela, Chagai, Noshki, and Awaran.

Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK

• Scattered rain and thunderstorms are forecast in mountainous regions, increasing the risk of landslides in hilly terrain.

NDMA’s Safety Guidelines for Citizens

To stay safe during this extended weather event, the NDMA recommends:

• Avoiding travel to landslide-prone and hilly areas.
• Preparing emergency kits with essential supplies.
• Monitoring weather alerts using the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App.
• Clearing drainage systems to prevent urban flooding and waterlogging.
• Authorities are on high alert and coordinating efforts to minimize risks from the upcoming severe weather system.