Islamabad on Saturday afternoon experienced a sudden hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain, bringing a refreshing chill to the city as citizens captured and shared videos of the dramatic scenes across various social media platforms.
Media coverage from different channels highlighted Islamabad’s sudden hailstorm, noting that viral videos of the dramatic weather are circulating widely across digital platforms.
Residents’ reactions continued to pour in, with one user writing, “I had to record this, it is unbelievable,” while another posted, “Finally, some cool weather after such heat.”
Social media buzzed with videos and messages, as Islamabadis celebrated the dramatic and rare weather event that temporarily transformed the city.
The trend of sharing videos across platforms picked up quickly, with clips showing streets covered in hail, cars braving wet conditions, and people capturing the storm from their rooftops. The widespread posting created a sense of community among residents, as many discussed the unusual weekend weather online.
Weekend weather outlook suggests that cooler temperatures may continue for the next few days, giving residents relief from the recent heat.
On the other side meteorologists also advised people to stay cautious while commuting, as wet roads and hail accumulation could pose risks, but noted that the storm brought much-needed respite to the city.
The Islamabad Traffic Police also advised commuters to drive carefully on slippery roads, maintain safe distances, and remain cautious while navigating hail-covered streets. Authorities noted that while the storm brought much-needed respite, public safety should remain a priority.
Separately, the hilltops of Galyat have donned a fresh white coat as light snowfall and persistent rains continue to lash the region, turning it into a magnet for tourists while bringing a sharp dip in temperatures.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a current weather system which has entered Pakistan on April 1 and is expected to remain active until April 5. Under this system, Galyat is receiving a mix of rain and snowfall, which has significantly enhanced the scenic beauty of the area .
The weather in Galyat is expected to remain dynamic over the next 24 hours. The PMD has forecast additional rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the mountains during the evening and night . Tourists currently in the area should prepare for chilly winds and zero visibility due to dense fog, particularly during the night and early morning hours.
Looking further ahead, the Met Office has warned of a longer period of atmospheric instability lasting until April 10. The forecast for the coming week indicates:
Heavy Torrential Rains and occasional hailstorms.Continued Snowfall over the high peaks of Galyat and Murree. A significant drop in temperature, with the mercury likely hovering near freezing point. Reports indicate a chilling 4°C expected in the coming days .
The wet spell has made Galyat pine-covered slopes look like a scene from a postcard, leading to a heavy influx of holidaymakers. However, the administration has urged caution.
Authorities have warned that the heavy downpours increase the probability of landslides and falling rocks from the mountain slopes, which pose a lethal threat to commuters.
Check Weather Updates: Before departing, tourists should verify the forecast.
Drive Carefully: Roads are slippery due to snow and rain. Visibility may drop to zero due to dense fog.
Emergency Contacts: The administration has put rescue services on high alert. Tourists can use the “Safe Tourism Murree” mobile app or call 15 for help.
The weather system is not isolated to Galyat. Neighboring areas, including Murree, parts of Kashmir, and the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are also experiencing similar conditions.
Meanwhile, plain areas of Punjab, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, are expected to receive intermittent rain and gusty winds.
Residents and tourists are advised to stay warm and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours to stay safe while enjoying nature’s gift.