KEY POINTS
- Westerly system to enter through southwestern Balochistan
- Heavy rains, hailstorms, and flash floods expected across provinces
- Landslides and damage to weak structures likely in vulnerable areas
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert, warning of rain and thunderstorms across most districts beginning Wednesday, March 25.
According to the authority, a westerly wind system is set to enter Pakistan through southwestern Balochistan and is expected to affect large swathes of the country over the coming days.
Pakistan Weather Update:
Rain, thunderstorms & possible hail expected in Islamabad, KP, Kashmir & upper Punjab on Wed night & Thu.
Southern regions may see isolated rain, while Friday is expected to remain mostly dry.#PakistanWeather #RainAlert #StormWarning pic.twitter.com/4jSJbLnnwH
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) March 24, 2026
The incoming weather system is likely to bring varying intensities of rainfall, along with hailstorms and snowfall in hilly areas. Officials have cautioned that vulnerable regions may face flash floods and landslides as a result of the anticipated downpours.
Punjab and Islamabad bracing for wet spell
According to the NDMA, rain is expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Lahore, between March 25 and 26. Rainfall intensity is projected to increase from March 28 to 30, with hailstorms likely in some areas.
In the hill stations of Murree and Galiyat, similar weather conditions are anticipated during the same period.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Snowfall, hailstorms, and landslide risk
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is forecast from Wednesday through March 30. The NDMA stated that snowfall is expected in hilly areas, while hailstorms may occur in plain districts.
Upper districts including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad are likely to receive rain and snowfall, while plain areas such as Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Kurram, and Waziristan may also experience rainfall. Authorities have warned of possible landslides in upper areas during the forecast period.
Weekly Weather Outlook (24 March to 30 March, 2026)#PakistanWeather #WeatherAlert #WesternDisturbance #RainForecast #ThunderstormWarning #PMD #ClimateUpdate #BalochistanWeather #SindhWeather #PunjabWeather #KPWeather #WeatherUpdate pic.twitter.com/ZCJn2ALQJY
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) March 24, 2026
Balochistan: Heavy falls and flash flood concerns
Most districts of Balochistan are expected to receive rain, with the meteorological department forecasting rain-wind and thunderstorms accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms. Affected areas include Kharan, Khuzdar, Kech, Panjgur, Awaran, Chagai, Nushki, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Harnai, Kalat, and Mastung.
The NDMA warned that flash floods could occur in Balochistan from March 25 to 28 due to heavy rains.
Sindh: Karachi and multiple districts to receive rainfall
In Sindh, rain and thunderstorms are expected from Wednesday through March 29 in Karachi and several districts, including Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Larkana.
Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Salman Shah, cautioned that strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures and solar panels in the region.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir: Snowfall and landslide warnings
Rain-wind and thunderstorms with snowfall over hills are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from March 25 to 26 and again from March 28 to 30. Affected areas include Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, Shigar, and various districts of Kashmir such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, and Mirpur.
Hailstorms and heavy falls are likely at isolated locations in Kashmir, with landslides possible in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the forecast period.
🌾 Agriculture Weather Update Pakistan. 24 March 2026
• Rain & thunderstorms in upper مناطق
• Strong winds may impact crops
• سندھ & بلوچستان mostly dry
• Rising temperatures ahead
Plan irrigation & protect crops accordingly#Agriculture #PakistanWeather #FarmersAlert pic.twitter.com/GV1fyZ2lSN— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) March 24, 2026
Authorities advise precautionary measures
The Pakistan Meteorological Department advised farmers to manage their crops according to prevailing weather conditions, as windstorms and hailstorms could damage standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh.
Tourists and travelers were urged to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. The Met Office also advised all concerned authorities to stay vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situations.
Windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may cause damage to weak structures, including electric poles, billboards, and solar panels, officials warned.
