Pakistan Meteorological Department Issues Rain, Thunderstorm Warning
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a fresh forecast predicting widespread rains across the country from April 16 to 19, with strong winds, thunderstorms, and possible hailstorms in several regions.
Intermittent rain and windstorms are expected in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. Areas such as Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, and surrounding districts are also likely to experience stormy weather.
In some locations, heavy rainfall and hailstorms are forecast on April 17 and 18.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected, with snowfall likely over mountainous areas such as Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and Astore between April 16 and 19.
Similarly, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, areas including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Bagh, and Kotli are expected to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and occasional hail.
In Balochistan, Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Chaman, Khuzdar, and Lasbela may experience rain and thunderstorms during April 17 and 18.
In Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and several other districts, rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected between April 16 and 18.
Parts of Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad, are also likely to experience rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period.
The Meteorological Department has warned that strong winds, hail, and thunderstorms may damage weak infrastructure, electricity poles, trees, and solar panels. It further cautioned that heavy rainfall in upper regions may trigger flash floods in streams and rivers, while urban flooding could occur in low-lying areas. Farmers have been advised to take protective measures for crops, and citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution.