Pakistan forecasts thunderstorms and isolated hail through October 15

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast intermittent rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across northern and central Pakistan from October 10 to 15, with isolated hailstorms possible as a westerly weather system moves into the country.

Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to experience spells of unsettled weather throughout the forecast period, with breaks between showers. The advisory covers places including Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, Skardu, Swat and Peshawar.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and other parts of central and northern Punjab are forecast to receive rain and thunderstorms on October 10–11 and 13–14. Southern Punjab districts, including Multan and Bahawalpur, could see similar conditions on October 10–11 and October 13.

Balochistan is expected to remain mostly hot and dry, although isolated storms are possible in Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel on October 10–11 and October 13. Mainly hot and dry conditions are also forecast for Sindh.

PMD warned that wind, lightning and hail could damage electricity poles, solar panels and weak roofs or walls. Hail could affect standing crops in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while light snowfall is possible over high mountains and glaciers. Daytime temperatures could fall by 2–4 degrees Celsius.

The department urged farmers to plan agricultural work around the weather and advised relevant authorities to remain alert and take precautionary measures.