PMD forecasts rain and thunderstorms across Pakistan until October 15

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across several upper and central regions from October 10 to 15, warning that isolated hailstorms could damage crops and vulnerable structures.

According to the Met Office, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on Saturday and remain active until October 15, bringing intermittent rain and a possible drop in daytime temperatures.

Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Islamabad are likely to experience varying spells of rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period. Some areas may also receive hail, while light snowfall is possible over high mountains and glaciers.

In Kashmir, the affected areas may include Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli and Mirpur. In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer and surrounding districts.

Several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohat, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.

In Punjab, the weather system is expected to affect Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha and several other districts on October 10–11 and October 13–14. Southern parts of the province, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Okara and Khanewal, may receive rain on October 10–11 and October 13.

Balochistan is expected to experience mainly hot and dry weather, although isolated rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel on October 10–11 and October 13. Sindh is also likely to remain predominantly hot and dry.

The Met Office has warned that strong winds, lightning and hail could damage weak buildings, electricity poles, solar panels and the roofs and walls of mud houses. Hailstorms may also affect standing crops across the plains of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Daytime temperatures could fall by two to four degrees Celsius during the forecast period. The possibility of light snowfall over high-altitude areas may also bring cooler conditions to mountainous regions.

The PMD has advised farmers to plan agricultural activities according to the expected weather conditions. Relevant authorities have also been urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures to minimise potential damage.