Rain, hailstorms forecast nationwide as twin cities reel from heavy downpour

A widespread spell of rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms is expected to sweep across Pakistan until April 4, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said, as parts of the country, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, already grapple with heavy rainfall and urban flooding.

According to the Met Office, a strong westerly weather system is set to enter Balochistan from April 1 and gradually expand its impact to other regions, bringing rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms. Isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are also likely in several areas.

The advisory warns of intense weather conditions in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where snowfall over mountainous areas is also expected. In Sindh, including Karachi, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms is forecast between April 2 and 4.

Authorities have cautioned that flash flooding may occur in streams and nullahs in northeastern Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while landslides pose a risk in vulnerable hilly areas of the north. Windstorms and lightning could also damage weak infrastructure, including power lines and billboards.

Urban flooding, disruption reported in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Meanwhile, heavy rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting daily life. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, caused water accumulation on major roads, particularly in commercial hubs and under-construction zones, leading to traffic congestion.

Rainfall measurements indicated significant precipitation across both cities, with several localities receiving over 40 millimetres. Temperatures dropped to around 16°C, with further decline expected in the coming days.

Authorities remained on high alert, deploying sanitation teams and water pumps to clear flooded areas, while traffic police worked to manage congestion. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution on slippery roads.

Elsewhere, heavy rainfall in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir led to a fatal incident after a man was swept away in a swollen stream, while a landslide in Muzaffarabad forced evacuations from at-risk homes.

The PMD has urged farmers to take protective measures for crops and advised travellers to remain cautious, warning that the ongoing weather system could extend beyond April 4.