ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday predicted widespread rainfall across the country starting from April 1.
According to the weather forecast, a strong westerly weather system is expected to enter the southwestern parts of Balochistan on April 1, bringing rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms to various regions. The system is likely to remain active until April 4.
Under its influence, several areas of Balochistan are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms, with chances of heavy downpours and hailstorms at isolated locations from April 2 evening to April 4. Affected areas include Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Kharan, Chaghi, Dalbandin, Kalat, Sibi, Kohlu, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Quetta, Loralai, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, Zhob, Mastung and surrounding regions.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms, along with snowfall over mountainous areas, are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kurram, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan.
Punjab is also likely to experience rain and thunderstorms, with possible hailstorms in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Pakpattan, Okara, Kasur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan. Heavy rainfall is particularly expected in Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby areas.
In Sindh, rainfall with chances of isolated hailstorms is forecast from April 2 to April 4 in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Tharparkar.
Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive rain along with snowfall in mountainous areas including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, and Shigar. Similar weather conditions are forecast in Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
The department has warned of possible landslides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during this period. It also cautioned about flash floods in northeastern Balochistan, particularly in Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Kharan, Kalat, Mastung, Kohlu, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, and Sherani.
Flash flooding is also likely in hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and local streams and nullahs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Tourists have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. The PMD further warned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels during the forecast period.
