ISLAMABAD (National Times) The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-windstorm/thunderstorm with few heavyfall/hailstorm in most places of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab and Balochistan during the next 24 hours (Thursday-Friday).

Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm is expected at scattered places in Sindh. A trough of strong westerly wave is affecting most parts of Balochistan and will extend to upper parts on April 18.

Heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in local drains and streams of Balochistan, especially in Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Kech, Awaran, Kharan, Panjgur, Washuk, Noshki, Lasbela, Khuzdar and Kalat.

Heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Manshera, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and tributaries of Kabul River from April 18 to 20.

The possibility of landslides in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan is there.

Windstorm or hailstorm and lightning may damage standing crops, electricity poles, vehicles and solar panels etc. during the period, warn weather experts.

During the last 24 hours, rain-wind/thunderstorm occurred in Balochistan, and upper Sindh. Heavy rains also occurred in south Balochistan during the period. Mithi remained the hottest place in the country on Wednesday, with temperatures surging up to 42 degrees Celsius.
At least 65 people died in storm-related incidents including lightning across Pakistan, officials said, with rain so far in April falling at nearly twice the historical average rate. Heavy downpours between Friday and Monday unleashed flash floods and caused houses to collapse. Lightning killed 28 people.

The major death toll was in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 32 people, including 15 children, have died and more than 1,300 homes have been damaged.

Meanwhile, several parts of Karachi received drizzle and the meteorological authorities say there is little chance of downpour.