A weather system moving in from the west is expected to bring rains and thunderstorms across Pakistan from April 1 to 4, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said.

 

In an advisory issued on Monday, the Met Office stated that a westerly wave will enter southwestern Balochistan on April 1 and gradually extend to other parts of the country over the following days.

 

“Balochistan will be the first to bear the brunt of the system, with rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms anticipated from the evening of April 1 across a sweeping stretch of districts from coastal areas including Gwadar, Pasni, and Ormara inland through Quetta, Ziarat, Loralai, Zhob, Khuzdar, and dozens of other regions, continuing through April 4 with occasional breaks,” it said.

 

The department noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is likely to experience rain and thunderstorms from the night of April 1, affecting areas from Chitral, Dir and Swat to Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

 

It added that snowfall is expected over higher elevations, while some areas may also experience hailstorms and heavy downpours.

 

Punjab and Islamabad are also expected to come under the influence of the system from the night of April 1, with thunderstorms and hailstorms forecast in areas including Murree, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby areas may also receive heavy rainfall.

 

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to receive rain and snowfall over mountainous areas, with districts such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Mirpur expected to be affected.

 

Sindh is expected to experience the system later, with rain, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms forecast in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana from April 2 to 4.

 

The Met Office warned that flash flooding may occur in northeast Balochistan and in local streams across KP between April 2 and 4, while hill torrents are expected in Dera Ghazi Khan.

 

“Windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, electricity infrastructure, billboards, and solar panels, while standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh are at risk from hail and strong winds,” it added.

 

Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures in line with the expected weather conditions.

 

The advisory further noted that daytime temperatures are likely to drop across the country during this period.

 

The Met Office urged the public, tourists and travellers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast window.

 

“All concerned authorities have been formally directed to remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation during the forecast period,” the PMD stated.