ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday predicted widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country from March 24 to March 30, warning of heavy falls, hailstorms, and potential flash floods in several regions.
According to the Met Office, a western disturbance will approach southwestern Balochistan on the evening of March 24 and intensify by the night of March 27, likely persisting until March 31. As a result, multiple districts in Balochistan, including Quetta, Gwadar, Turbat, Khuzdar, and Chaman, are expected to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms with occasional heavy spells and isolated hailstorms during two phases: March 24–25 and March 27–29.
Meanwhile, in Punjab, similar weather conditions are forecast from March 25 to 26 and again from March 28 to 30. Cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Bahawalpur may experience thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms. The forecast also includes Murree, the Galiyat region, and Islamabad.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms with occasional heavy falls are expected from March 25 night to March 26 morning, followed by a more widespread spell from March 28 to 30. Areas including Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, and Dera Ismail Khan are likely to be affected, with hailstorms possible at isolated locations.
Additionally, Sindh may receive rain in cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana on March 25–26 and again from March 28 to 29. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms during similar periods, with heavy falls and hailstorms in some areas.
Furthermore, the PMD warned of possible flash floods in Balochistan between March 25 and 28 and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 28 to 30. It also cautioned that windstorms and hailstorms could damage standing crops, advising farmers to take precautionary measures.
