Pakistan Braces for Widespread Rain and Storms

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a major weather advisory warning of widespread rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the country from April 1 to 4.

The system is driven by a westerly wave entering southwestern Balochistan on April 1 and gradually spreading its influence across most provinces in the coming days.

Balochistan will be the first to experience the impact, with rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hail expected from coastal areas including Gwadar, Pasni, and Ormara to inland districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Loralai, Zhob, and Khuzdar. Conditions are expected to continue with intermittent breaks through April 4.

PMD predicts Karachi temperatures to rise starting Wednesday

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will face worsening weather from the night of April 1, with rainfall and thunderstorms across the province from Chitral, Dir, and Swat in the north to Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan in the south. Snowfall is likely over higher elevations, and hailstorms may occur in isolated areas.

Punjab and Islamabad will see thunderstorms and hail from the night of April 1, affecting Murree, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Dera Ghazi Khan is at heightened risk of heavy rainfall.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will experience rain, snow in the mountains, and hailstorms from the night of April 1 across districts including Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Mirpur.

Sindh will be the last province affected, with Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and other cities seeing rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hail from April 2 to 4.

Authorities have warned of serious secondary hazards. Flash flooding is expected in northeast Balochistan and local streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from April 2 to 4, while hill torrents may impact Dera Ghazi Khan. Landslides are a risk in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.

Windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, electricity networks, billboards, and solar panels. Standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh are also at risk from hail and strong winds. Farmers are urged to take necessary precautions.

Daytime temperatures are expected to drop noticeably nationwide. The public, tourists, and travelers are advised to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel during this period.

The PMD has confirmed that this weather system may persist beyond April 4, with updated advisories to follow. Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant and implement measures to mitigate potential damage.