Hailstorm warning for Islamabad, Rawalpindi on March 28-29

ISLAMABAD: A message is being widely shared on social media, asking people in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to keep their cars covered on March 28 and especially March 29. The message claims that a hailstorm may hit the area, based on a forecast by a weather expert.

Officials say the warning is partly true, but there is no confirmed information about exactly where a hailstorm will happen. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has already issued an alert for rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, and possible hail from March 25 to March 30.

The Capital Development Authority and district administration are on high alert. Emergency and rescue teams have been prepared across the city. Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa has ordered special steps, including better drainage at underpasses to avoid traffic problems during heavy rain.

Many users on X tried to check the viral message and asked the platform’s AI assistant, Grok. The AI compared the claim with official weather data and said the risk is real. It shared that a weather system is active and may bring rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hail to Islamabad and Rawalpindi between March 27 and 30, with stronger chances on March 28 and 29.

People are more worried because of what happened last year. In April 2025, a sudden and strong hailstorm hit Islamabad. Large hailstones damaged many cars, broke windows, and uprooted trees in areas like F-6, G-10, I-8, and Blue Area. Even the famous Faisal Mosque had minor damage. Power outages were also reported in many parts of the city.

Experts say such extreme weather is becoming more common due to climate change. Similar storms in 2025 also affected Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing deaths, crop losses, and power failures.

Despite this, the city is still not fully prepared. Many areas do not have proper covered parking. Drainage systems often fail during heavy rain, causing water to collect on roads and underpasses. Trees also fall during storms, blocking roads, and power outages remain a regular problem during bad weather.