Nationwide Rain Alert: PMD warns of thunderstorms, hail and flood risks across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the country from March 24 to March 30, with occasional gaps, as a strong weather system approaches.

In a press release, the Met Office said a western disturbance is expected to enter southwestern parts of Balochistan on March 24 (evening/night), intensify from March 27 night, and persist until March 31.

Across Balochistan, rain, wind, and thunderstorms — including heavy downpours and isolated hailstorms — are expected in areas such as Gwadar, Turbat, Quetta, Khuzdar, Chaman and surrounding districts between March 24–25 and again from March 27–29.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over hilly areas are likely in Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, Peshawar and other areas from March 25–26, with a second, more widespread spell from March 28–30. Isolated hailstorms are also expected.

For Punjab, including cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan, the PMD predicted rain, wind and thunderstorms with possible hailstorms from March 25–26 and again from March 28–30. Similar conditions are expected in Islamabad, Murree and the Galiyat region.

In Sindh, areas including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana are likely to receive rain and thunderstorms on March 25–26 and March 28–29.

Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are expected to experience rain, thunderstorms and snowfall in mountainous areas during March 25–26 and March 28–30, with chances of isolated heavy falls and hailstorms.

The PMD warned of potential landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Flash floods are also expected in parts of Balochistan between March 25–28 and in local streams and nullahs of KP from March 28–30.

Strong winds, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards and solar panels, while standing crops in Punjab, KP and Sindh could also be affected.

The Met Office advised farmers to take precautionary measures, while tourists and travellers were urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary movement during the forecast period. Authorities have been directed to stay vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent any untoward incidents.