Islamabad: A significant weather event is anticipated to affect the northern regions of Pakistan from April 16 to April 19, with rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms expected, according to National Weather Forecasting Centre – Islamabad. The Met Office has forecasted the arrival of a westerly wave starting April 16, which will bring these conditions to various areas.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts such as Chitral, Swat, and Peshawar are expected to experience rain-windstorms and thunderstorms with possible hail and snowfall over the mountains. Light rain and thunderstorms are predicted for other areas including Orakzai and Dera Ismail Khan on April 17 and 18. Meanwhile, Gilgit Baltistan will see moderate to heavy rainfall and potential snowfall in regions like Skardu and Hunza during the same period.

Kashmir will also be affected by rainstorms and potential hail from April 17-19, with heavier rainfall likely on the 18th and 19th. In Balochistan, areas such as Quetta and Zhob are expected to have rain and thunderstorms on April 17 and 18. Punjab, including Islamabad, will experience similar weather from April 16 to 18, with isolated hail possible.

The forecast warns of potential landslides in vulnerable areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Kashmir. There is also a risk of windstorms and hailstorms damaging weak structures and standing crops, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab. The advisory recommends that farmers manage their crops accordingly and advises tourists and travelers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Flash floods are a concern in areas like Dir and Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the Neelum Valley in Kashmir.