Widespread rain, thunderstorms expected across Pakistan; Flash flood warning issued

ISLAMABAD, Apr 01 (APP):The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms across large parts of the country on Thursday, with isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms likely to impact several regions.

According to the latest advisory, Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to receive widespread rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. Meanwhile, isolated rain and thunderstorm activity, including hailstorms, is also likely in Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, particularly during evening and night hours.

The Met Office has issued a warning that heavy to very heavy rains may trigger flash flooding in northeastern districts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Musakhel, and Dera Bugti, as well as hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and local streams in southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from night of April 1 through April 3.

The authorities have cautioned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels during the forecast period. Standing crops in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also at risk of damage due to severe weather conditions.

In Islamabad, partly cloudy to cloudy weather is expected, with a 30 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms during the evening or night.

Region-wise, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to experience widespread rain and thunderstorms in southern districts, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms. Northern areas may receive rain along with snowfall over higher mountains.
Punjab is expected to witness widespread rain in southern districts such as Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan, while other parts, including Lahore and Rawalpindi, may experience isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Sindh will see intermittent widespread rain and thunderstorms across major cities, including Karachi and Hyderabad, with chances of heavy falls and hailstorms in southern districts.

Similarly, Balochistan is likely to experience widespread intermittent rain and thunderstorms across most districts, with heavy to very heavy falls expected, particularly in northeastern parts.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, cloudy weather with rain and thunderstorms is expected at isolated places, along with snowfall over mountainous areas during evening and night hours.

Over the past 24 hours, mainly dry weather prevailed in most parts of the country, although isolated rain and thunderstorms were recorded in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir with Lahore receiving the highest rainfall of 16mm.

The highest temperatures recorded on Wednesday were 35C in Mithi, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Tandojam.

The Met Office has advised citizens and local authorities to remain alert and take precautionary measures in view of the expected severe weather conditions.