NDMA issues sweeping May 18-22 weather alert as storms and scorching heat grip Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th May, 2026) National Disaster Management Authority on Saturday warned that widespread rain, windstorms and isolated hailstorms were expected in several parts of Pakistan from May 18 to 22, while heatwave conditions were likely to intensify in Sindh and parts of Balochistan, prompting authorities to urge citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures during severe weather conditions.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the ongoing weather pattern is fully in line with the seasonal forecast issued by the NDMA three to four months earlier for the April-to-June period.

The authority said Punjab is likely to witness rain, dust storms and isolated hailstorms between May 19 and 22, with rainfall expected in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Lahore, Sialkot, Kasur, Multan and adjoining areas.

In Balochistan, strong winds accompanied by rain and isolated hailstorms are forecast in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman and Khuzdar, while temperatures are expected to rise in other districts of the province.

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Sindh is expected to remain hot and dry throughout the week, with a steady increase in temperatures predicted across the province.

The NDMA further said various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Swat, Peshawar, Bannu, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Landi Kotal, may receive rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to experience thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh and Kotli.

For the next 12 to 24 hours, the NEOC forecast thunderstorms and rain in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Malakand, Peshawar, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

The NDMA advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during extreme weather, remain away from weak structures and electricity poles during storms, and follow official advisories issued by local authorities.

It also urged the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for timely updates and safety guidance.