Nationwide hailstorm, rain forecast until April 4

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued a weather advisory forecasting widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, across various regions of the country from April 1 to April 4.

According to a PMD statement, a westerly wave is expected to approach the southwestern parts of Balochistan on April 1 and persist until April 4, affecting several provinces.

Balochistan would experience heavy rain and thunderstorms, along with isolated hailstorms, in areas such as Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Makran Coast, Lasbella, and several other regions during the period. Occasional gaps in rain were expected during this period, the PMD stated.

It further stated that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also set to experience rain, thunderstorms and snowfall over the mountains in locations such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, and others. Heavy falls and hailstorms qwre likely in isolated areas.

In Punjab and Islamabad, rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with isolated hailstorms, are expected in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, and other districts. Heavy rain was likely in Dera Ghazi Khan and the surrounding areas, the PMD added.

As per the PMD forecast, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir would experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with snowfall in the mountains. Isolated hailstorms and heavy rainfall were expected in certain places.

Sindh, including Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and other cities, would see rain, wind, and thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms from April 2 to April 4, with occasional gaps in rainfall.

Flash floods were expected in northeast Balochistan, including Khuzdar, Awaran, Kharan, and other areas, as well as in local streams and nullahs of K-P from April 2 to April 4. Vulnerable regions in upper K-P, GB and AJK were at risk of landslides during the period.

Windstorms and hailstorms might damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Farmers were advised to take protective measures to shield their crops from the inclement weather, stated the PMD advisory.

It added that tourists and travellers were urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. Additionally, daytime temperatures were expected to decrease across the country.

The PMD called for all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to prevent any untoward incidents during the forecast period. The weather system was expected to continue beyond April 4.