The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday warned of thunderstorms and rainfall across the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to an advisory issued by the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA, a system of western winds entering from the southwestern belt of Balochistan is likely to impact most regions, bringing showers accompanied by strong winds and gusty storms.

The NDMA warned of the urban flooding risk in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwal.

Residents in vulnerable localities have been advised to remain alert and adopt precautionary measures to minimise potential damage.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is expected over the next 12 to 24 hours in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin.

According to the forecast, rainfall is also likely in Punjab cities of Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms, dust storms and strong winds is expected in various parts of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with chances of hailstorms at isolated locations.

The NDMA also forecast flash floods in Balochistan, particularly in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flood-like conditions are expected in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Parachinar, Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi, the NDMA said, urging authorities to take precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.

Snowfall is expected in the upper and mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the next 12 to 24 hours, it said.

Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is also likely in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this period.

Rain with thunderstorms is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur.

Dust storms, strong winds and rain are also likely in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.

Rain is expected in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Neelum Valley.

In Balochistan, rain is expected during the next 12 to 24 hours in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela.

Rain with thunderstorms is expected in the next 12 to 24 hours in Sindh cities, including Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Khairpur and Larkana.

The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms across the country may damage weak structures, trees and power lines.

Rainfall could also make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in mountainous areas is likely to affect travel.

Continuous rainfall in hilly regions may heighten the risk of landslides, it said and advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.

It also urged the public to stay away from trees, fragile structures and installations during strong winds and storms.

The NDMA cautioned tourists and travellers heading to northern areas to check weather and road conditions in advance.

Meanwhile, the Authority directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to cope with the expected weather situation.