A western weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on the evening of April 16 and will probably affect the region through April 20, bringing widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and possible hailstorms.

According to PMD, rain is expected accompanied by wind and thunder in Chitral, SWAT, DIR, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and other districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir from evening 16 to 20 to 20.

Dust storms and thunderstorms are also probably in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts in central and northern Punjab including Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, especially in the evening of 16. and April 18. Isolated hailstorms may occur during this period.

Southern Punjab districts, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan and Bahawalpur, are expected to experience dust storms and Gusty win on April 18 and 19.

Authorities have warned of potential damage due to wind, hail and lightning. “Wind dust storms, hailstorms and lightning can damage loose structures such as electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels,” said Met Office.

Farmers, especially those who harvest wheat, have been asked to plan agricultural activities in accordance with the forecast. Landslides can also occur in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat.

All affected departments have been invited to remain aware and take precautions to prevent adverse events during this period.