The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a new weather advisory forecasting widespread rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds affecting much of the country from April 1 to April 4. This development is linked to a westerly wave expected to enter southwestern Balochistan on April 1, gradually extending its impact across nearly all provinces over the subsequent days.
Balochistan is predicted to be the initial region impacted, with rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms beginning on the evening of April 1. The affected areas will include coastal districts such as Gwadar, Pasni, and Ormara, extending inland through Quetta, Ziarat, Loralai, Zhob, Khuzdar, and numerous other districts. These conditions are expected to continue intermittently until April 4.
Meanwhile, weather conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will worsen from the night of April 1, with rain and thunderstorms spreading across the entire province. Regions from Chitral, Dir, and Swat in the north to Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan in the south will experience these conditions. Snowfall is anticipated at higher altitudes, and certain areas may see hailstorms and heavy rainfall.
Punjab and Islamabad will also come under the influence of this system starting the night of April 1. Thunderstorms and hail are forecast from Murree and Rawalpindi down to Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Notably, Dera Ghazi Khan and its surrounding areas face a significant risk of intense rainfall.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rain, mountain snow, and hailstorms are expected from the night of April 1, covering districts including Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Mirpur. Sindh will be the last province to experience the system, with rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms predicted in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and other cities from April 2 through April 4.
The PMD has warned of critical secondary hazards during this period. Flash flooding is likely in northeast Balochistan and in local streams and waterways across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between April 2 and 4. Hill torrents are also expected in Dera Ghazi Khan. Strong winds and lightning pose risks to vulnerable structures, electricity infrastructure, billboards, and solar panels. Standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh are vulnerable to damage from hail and gusty winds, prompting advisories for farmers to take protective measures.
Daytime temperatures are expected to drop noticeably across the country during this weather event. The PMD has urged the public, tourists, and travelers to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel throughout the forecast period. The system is forecast to persist beyond April 4, with updated advisories to follow accordingly. Authorities have been instructed to stay alert and implement necessary precautions to mitigate potential adverse effects.
In a significant development, at least 17 people, including children and women, have died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to recent heavy rains that caused the collapse of roofs and walls. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) released a preliminary report detailing the damage since March 25. Among the deceased are 14 children, one man, and two women. Injuries include 25 men, 5 women, and 26 children.
The report further indicates that at least 11 houses have suffered partial damage in districts such as Bannu, Abbottabad, Kohat, Upper Dir, Bajaur, Battagram, and North Waziristan, where multiple structural collapses have been recorded. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing as intermittent rains continue across various parts of the province.
