PMD forecasts widespread rain, thunderstorms across Pakistan from April 1

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the country starting April 1, as a westerly weather system approaches.

According to the PMD, the system will enter southwestern parts of Balochistan and is expected to persist until April 4, bringing rain, wind and thunderstorm activity to several regions.

In Balochistan, rainfall — with occasional heavy falls and hailstorms — is likely from the evening of April 2 to April 4 in areas including Gwadar, Turbat, Khuzdar, Quetta, Chaman, Zhob, and surrounding areas.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to receive rain and thunderstorms, with snowfall over mountainous areas such as Chitral, Swat, Dir, and Kohistan.

In Punjab, rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated hailstorms, are forecast for cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Multan. Heavy rainfall is particularly expected in Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby areas.

Sindh will also experience rainfall with chances of hailstorms in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Tharparkar between April 2 and April 4.

Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are likely to witness rain along with snowfall in mountainous areas such as Skardu, Hunza, Muzaffarabad, and Neelum Valley.

The PMD has warned of possible landslides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir due to the ongoing weather system. Flash floods are also feared in northeastern Balochistan and in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, as well as in local streams and nullahs of KP.

Authorities have advised tourists and residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. The department also warned that strong winds, hailstorms, and lightning could damage weak infrastructure, including electric poles, billboards, and solar panels.