The Meteorological Department has forecast rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms across several parts of the country from the evening of March 17 to 20.

According to the department, heavy rain and hailstorms are likely in different areas of Balochistan during this period.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also experience rain and hail in various districts, while heavy rain and hail are possible in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The Meteorological Department added that rain is expected in several cities of Sindh on March 18 and 19.

Officials have warned that there is a risk of landslides in upper and mountainous areas due to rainfall. They also said that lightning strikes may occur in some parts of the country.

The department cautioned that standing crops could also be damaged due to the expected weather conditions.

On the other hand, intermittent rain continued in Lahore and surrounding areas for the second consecutive day, bringing noticeable relief from rising temperatures.

The Meteorological Department says the weather will remain partly cloudy with chances of light rain over the next four days.

Rainfall in Lahore over the past two days has helped reduce the intensity of the rising heat in the city. According to the Meteorological Department, strong winds accompanying the rain have made the weather noticeably cooler.

The department reported that temperatures in Lahore dropped by about four degrees Celsius due to the changing weather conditions.

Forecast for Lahore

The minimum temperature in Lahore was recorded at 12°C, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 22°C today. Officials said intermittent rain may continue throughout the day, keeping the weather cool compared to recent days.

The Met Department has also predicted cloudy weather and light rain in Lahore for the next four days.

According to PDMA Punjab, rain is expected in most districts of Punjab from tomorrow until March 20. Rainfall is likely in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Gujranwala. The weather system may also bring rain to Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Jhang and Chiniot.

Similarly, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Khushab and Mandi Bahauddin are expected to receive rainfall.

The PDMA added that Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan are also likely to experience rain on March 18 and 19.

Rain expected in Karachi

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department’s Early Warning Center has predicted rainfall in Karachi as well.

According to the forecast, a westerly weather system is likely to enter the country from tomorrow. Under the influence of this system, thunderstorms are expected in Karachi on March 18.

Officials warned that hailstorms may also occur in some areas of the city during the rain.

The weather system may also affect interior Sindh, where rain accompanied by thunder is expected on March 18 and 19. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, as changing weather conditions may bring sudden showers and strong winds.

Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa weather outlook

In Islamabad and surrounding areas, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy today.

The Met Department said temperatures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi dropped overnight due to heavy rain that fell a day earlier, keeping daytime temperatures below normal.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, partly cloudy conditions are also expected across the province. Rain is likely in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, and Battagram, while snowfall is expected in mountainous areas.

Rain and snowfall are also forecast in Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur.

The Met Department said most districts of Punjab are expected to remain dry, although rain may occur at a few locations. Light showers are possible in Murree, Galiyat, Hafizabad, Lahore, and Sheikhupura, while Kasur, Sialkot, and Narowal may also receive rain at isolated places.

Meanwhile, the weather is expected to remain hot and dry in Sindh and Balochistan, despite the possibility of rain in Karachi and some parts of interior Sindh.