Westerly winds have entered Pakistan, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms across most parts of the country from today through March 31, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Cloud cover has already spread over Lahore, where intermittent rain is expected during the period. The minimum temperature in the city is likely to remain around 19°C, while the maximum may reach 31°C. A current temperature of 24°C has been recorded, with periodic showers anticipated.

Rain and thunderstorms are forecast in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda and Nowshera. In the upper districts, rain is also expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram and Mansehra. Periodic hailstorms may occur in some areas.

Other areas that may experience thunderstorms with rain and lightning include Abbottabad, Haripur, Balakot, Khyber, Mohmand, Bajaur, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat and Hangu. The southern districts of Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan are also likely to see rain.

Heavy rainfall is forecast in Balochistan’s Kharan, Mastung, Quetta, Bolan, Ziarat, Harnai, Kachhi, Sibi, Kohlu and Barkhan. In the mountainous regions, snowfall is expected, while isolated thunderstorms may occur in some plains.

Rainfall was also recorded in parts of the province on the previous day, including Swat, Dir, Patan and Timergara. The total rainfall recorded yesterday was 5mm, with Dir receiving 4mm and Kalam, Patan and Timergara recording 1mm each.