PDMA
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a comprehensive weather advisory forecasting a significant change in weather patterns across the province from May 27 to May 31.
The alert includes warnings of dust storms, gusty winds, and widespread rainfall across both central and southern Punjab, as well as other regions in the country, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
According to a PDMA spokesperson, several northern and central districts including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and dust storms. The forecast also extends to key urban centers such as Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Mianwali.
In South Punjab, intermittent rain is expected between May 27 and May 30 in areas such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar. This anticipated weather shift is expected to bring some relief from the intense heatwave that has gripped the region in recent weeks.
On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, district administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure that all emergency protocols are in place. Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia stated that various government departments—including School Education, Health, Irrigation, Communication and Works, Local Government, and Livestock—have been alerted to respond promptly to any weather-related emergencies.
Citizens have been advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid seeking shelter under trees or metal structures during lightning. The PDMA has also urged the public to report emergencies or seek assistance by contacting its helpline at 1129.
At the national level, the NDMA has echoed similar warnings, extending its weather alert across multiple provinces from May 27 to June 1. According to the NDMA advisory, Islamabad and Rawalpindi will likely experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Other affected cities in Punjab include Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sialkot, and Sahiwal. In South Punjab, light to moderate rain and strong winds are forecast for Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Muzaffargarh.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to face similar weather conditions, while Balochistan may experience rain and thunderstorms from May 27 to 29.
The situation is even more critical in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, where heavy rainfall, hailstorms, and potential landslides have been forecast due to the terrain and weather intensity.
The NDMA has warned that in mountainous regions, the risk of landslides is significantly increased due to torrential rains. Local authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure that early warning systems are in place to minimize potential damage and ensure public safety.
