Thunderstorms, rain and hail forecast across northern Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread weather activity, including thunderstorms, rain, and possible hailstorms, in several parts of the country over the coming days.

According to the Met Office, the upper regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds. The Potohar Plateau is also expected to see similar conditions.

Hailstorms may occur in parts of northeastern Punjab, raising the risk of localized damage to crops, vehicles, and infrastructure. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during periods of intense weather.

Rainfall is also expected in and around Islamabad, along with nearby areas including Rawalpindi, Murree, and the Galiyat region.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, showers are forecast in districts such as Chitral, Swat, Buner, Bajaur, and Malakand, as well as Parachinar and surrounding areas. Additional rainfall is expected in Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Battagram, along with Kohat, Orakzai, Nowshera, and parts of Waziristan.

Punjab is also set to receive scattered rainfall. Cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Sahiwal may see showers, while precipitation is also likely in Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Okara, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Kasur, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

Meteorologists say the system is part of a broader weather pattern affecting northern and central Pakistan, and intermittent rainfall may bring temporary relief from rising temperatures, though severe storms could disrupt travel and daily activities in affected areas.