Heavy rainfall and hailstorms lashed multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab on Thursday, damaging vehicles, threatening crops, and triggering flash flood warnings.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the intense weather pattern is expected to persist until April 20, driven by a strong westerly system entering northern Pakistan.

In KP, areas including Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Haripur, Landi Kotal, Malakand, and Swat experienced widespread rainfall and hail, with Chitral facing flood-like conditions due to torrential downpours. Vehicles in several districts sustained damage from heavy hail, particularly in Landi Kotal where intense hail shattered windshields near the Torkham border.

The PMD has forecast more thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds across Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Torghar, Battagram, Abbottabad, Mohmand, and Bajaur. A flood alert has also been issued for River Kabul and its tributaries during this period.

Severe rain, hailstorms and winds expected Punjab, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Authorities have warned of potential crop damage due to the hailstorms. In response, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued alerts to all district administrations and relevant departments to remain on high alert.

Meanwhile, heavy rain accompanied by hail also struck parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, and Rawalpindi. In Sheikhupura, a man was killed and another injured after lightning struck a field. Two others were reported injured in Faisalabad, while Chiniot witnessed intermittent showers.

In the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Ghizer and its surroundings, snowfall on the mountains brought back a sharp chill.

The National Emergency Operations Centre has issued a nationwide alert for worsening weather conditions, warning of potential damage to electric poles, trees, and solar panels due to strong winds and storms.

Heavy rainfall hits Punjab after long wait, more expected in nearby regions

In Balochistan, rainfall accompanied by gusty winds is also expected, with the PDMA advising proactive safety measures across the province.

The current spell of heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms is part of an intense westerly weather system likely to peak over the weekend, causing potential disruption in various regions across the country.