ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued an advisory forecasting rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the upper parts of Pakistan from March 14 to March 16, and urged the relevant authorities to take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incidents.
According to the advisory, a westerly wave is expected to approach the north-western regions of the country from Saturday evening and persist until the early hours of Monday.
Areas likely to experience significant weather impacts include Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, and other parts of Punjab. Parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Barkhan, and Chaman, are also expected to be affected. The NDMA said isolated hailstorms are also anticipated during the forecast period. Another western disturbance is expected to affect western Pakistan by the night of March 17.
“Under the influence of this weather system, daytime temperatures are expected to decrease by 3–4°C in the northern and upper regions. Vulnerable areas such as upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir are at risk of landslides,” the authority said.
The advisory urged tourists to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas during the storms. Farmers were also advised to take appropriate measures to protect their crops in line with prevailing weather conditions.
In view of the possibility of hailstorms, the NDMA advised people to seek shelter indoors or inside vehicles, stay away from windows, and avoid driving in heavy hail due to reduced visibility and slippery roads. Drivers were advised to pull over safely and remain inside their vehicles with seatbelts fastened.
The authority also called on all relevant institutions, including federal ministries, provincial governments, and local administrations, to implement precautionary measures to protect public safety and minimise property damage during the forecast period.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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