The Met Office says a westerly wave will bring rain, thunderstorms, hail, and mountain snowfall across many regions from April 1 to April 4, 2026.
What the Met Office is predicting and the key dates
Pakistan’s Met Office has forecast more heavy rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the country due to a westerly wave. The system is expected to approach southwestern Balochistan on April 1, 2026, and persist until April 4, 2026.
During this period, many areas may see rain with wind and thunderstorms. Isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are also likely in some places. In northern regions, the same system may produce snowfall over mountains, which can affect road travel and increase landslide risk.
The forecast also mentions “occasional gaps,” meaning rain may come in spells rather than nonstop. Even with gaps, a single intense storm can cause localized flooding, tree fall, and power interruptions. If you have travel or outdoor plans between April 1 (evening/night) and April 4, it is safer to plan with flexibility and keep checking official updates.
Balochistan: Makran coast, Quetta region, and heavy-fall pockets
In Balochistan, rain with wind and thunderstorms—plus isolated heavy falls or hail—are expected from April 1 (evening) to April 4. The affected areas include Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, and the Makran coast (Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara). The system may also impact Lasbela, Khuzdar, Kharan, Chaghi, Dalbandin, Kalat, Sibbi, Kohlu, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Quetta, Loralai, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, Zhob, and Mastung.
For coastal districts, stronger winds can disrupt routine activity and reduce visibility. Inland, short but intense rain can trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas and damage weaker road sections. People should secure loose items, avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorm peaks, and stay cautious near nullahs where runoff can rise quickly.
KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir: storms and mountain snowfall
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain with wind and thunderstorms (and snowfall over mountains) is expected from April 1 (night) to April 4. The forecast includes Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and other districts such as Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Bannu, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and tribal districts including Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, and Waziristan. Isolated heavy falls and hail are also possible.
For Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rain and thunderstorms with mountain snowfall are expected from April 1 (night) to April 4, covering areas such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and Kashmir districts including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. Hail or heavy falls may occur at isolated places in Kashmir.
The main risk in these regions is travel disruption. Snowfall can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, while heavy rain can trigger landslides. If travel is necessary, prefer daytime movement and check road conditions before leaving.
Punjab and Islamabad: widespread rain, hail risk, heavy falls near DG Khan
In Punjab and Islamabad, rain with wind and thunderstorms (with isolated hailstorm) is expected from April 1 (night) to April 4, with breaks in between. The forecast covers Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Pakpattan, Okara, Kasur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan.
A key point is that heavy falls are likely in Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding areas. This can increase the chance of flash flooding and runoff from nearby hills. Hail can also damage crops and vehicles, so drivers should slow down, keep distance, and avoid stopping under weak trees during storms.
Sindh: Karachi and multiple districts to see storms from April 2–4
In Sindh, rain with wind and thunderstorms (with isolated hail) is expected from April 2 to April 4. The areas mentioned include Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Tharparkar.
Karachi and coastal districts may face short, intense spells that cause localized waterlogging where drainage is blocked. Upper Sindh districts may see storm-related power interruptions and reduced visibility on roads. For April 1–4, the best approach is basic preparedness: keep phones charged, clear drains near homes, avoid panic travel during peak thunderstorm hours, and follow official alerts for local updates.
