The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms across most parts of the country from April 16 to 19, raising concerns about potential damage and urban flooding.
According to the forecast, several areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Haripur and Kohat are expected to experience intermittent rain and windstorms during the period. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms are likely at some locations, particularly on April 17 and 18.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, strong winds and thunderstorms are predicted in Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Skardu and Hunza, with snowfall expected in mountainous areas between April 16 and 19.
Parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Bagh, Haveli and Kotli, are likely to receive rain with strong winds and thundershowers from April 17 to 19, with isolated incidents of heavy rain and hailstorms also forecast.
In Balochistan, areas such as Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Sherani, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Khuzdar and Lasbela are expected to witness rain and thunderstorms on April 17 and 18.
Punjab, including Islamabad, Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujarat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh, is also likely to experience rain with strong winds and thunderstorms from April 16 to 18. Similar weather conditions are expected in Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar, with chances of hailstorms at isolated places.
In Sindh, Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad and surrounding areas are forecast to receive rain and thunderstorms between April 16 and 18.
The Meteorological Department has warned that strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak infrastructure, electricity poles, trees and solar panels. Heavy rainfall in upper regions may lead to increased water levels in rivers and canals, while low-lying urban areas face the risk of flooding.
Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect their crops, while citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious during the weather spell.
Reporter: Rozina Ali