A widespread weather system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across Pakistan until April 4, as Islamabad and Rawalpindi already struggle with heavy rainfall and urban flooding. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings about this developing situation.
Starting April 1, a strong westerly weather system will enter Balochistan and gradually extend its influence to other regions, causing rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms. Several areas could experience isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms.
In a significant development, intense weather conditions are anticipated in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where snowfall is also predicted in mountainous zones. Sindh, including Karachi, is forecast to receive rain with thunderstorms and occasional hailstorms between April 2 and 4.
Authorities have issued cautions about potential flash flooding in streams and nullahs in northeastern Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, landslides may threaten vulnerable hilly regions in the north. Windstorms and lightning pose risks to fragile infrastructure such as power lines and billboards.
Meanwhile, Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced heavy rain on Monday, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and disrupting daily activities. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, caused significant water accumulation on major roads, especially in commercial and construction zones, resulting in traffic jams.
Rainfall measurements showed that several localities in both cities received over 40 millimeters of precipitation. Temperatures dropped to approximately 16°C, with further decreases expected in the coming days.
Authorities remain vigilant, deploying sanitation teams and water pumps to clear flooded areas, while traffic police manage congestion. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution on slippery roads.
Elsewhere, heavy rains in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir led to a tragic incident where a man was swept away by a swollen stream. A landslide in Muzaffarabad also forced evacuations from homes deemed at risk.
The Meteorological Department has urged farmers to protect their crops and advised travelers to remain cautious, warning that the adverse weather conditions could persist beyond April 4.
