Devastating Hailstorm hit Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Islamabad was struck by a severe hailstorm on April 16, 2025. It lasted approximately 35 minutes. It caused extensive damage across the city. Large hailstones broke vehicle windshields, solar panels and disrupted the traffic flow. This hailstorm left thousands of people dealing with dented car hoods, smashed window shields and broken side mirrors.

          Just days later on April 20, 2025 another hailstorm hit both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This latest storm brought the rain and hail to the twin cities. These hailstones were reported smaller and less damage caused than those from the previous storm.

          Residential areas especially in the north western corridors experienced broken windowpanes and balconies full of debris and ice. Uprooted trees and fallen signboards blocked the roads. This situation strained the emergency response services. This storm also caused flash floods in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Peshawar Torkham Road was more affected. Traffic remained suspended for up to five hours.

          The Pakistan Meteorological Department had forecasted hailstorms, thunderstorms and rain for Islamabad and surrounding regions like Rawalpindi. The partly cloudy conditions were expected with increase in temperature to 34 Celsius. Rainfall was also expected for upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

          Rising global temperatures contribute to erratic precipitation and more frequent occurring storms. Pakistan is suffering from unpredictable weather, devastating floods, prolonged heat waves and now severe hailstorms. Such type of events results in loss of infrastructure, disrupt daily life and damage agriculture. This will result in threatening food security in a nation completely dependent on farming.

          In the aftermath, emergency services were mobilized to clear debris and restore the normal life. The National Disaster Management Authority issued weather advisories. The advisory followed the recent hailstorm that caused significant damage. Residents advised to remain indoors during severe weather conditions. Authorities are also working on improving early warning systems to better cope with such weather conditions in future.