By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: After enduring days of an intense heatwave, residents of Islamabad were caught off guard on Wednesday as a massive hailstorm swept through the capital, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing widespread damage to vehicles.
The sudden weather shift came in the afternoon, pelting the city with unusually large hailstones. Witnesses reported that the size and force of the hail cracked hundreds of car windscreens.
Major roads across the city saw vehicles come to a complete halt as drivers attempted to shield themselves and their cars from the onslaught.
Social media was soon flooded with videos and images of shattered windshields, dented car bodies, and hail-covered streets.
“This is the most severe hailstorm I’ve seen in years,” said Aadil Shadman, a commuter stuck on Margalla Road. “I pulled over and took cover, but the massive hail cracked the windscreen of my Suzuki APV,” Aadil lamented.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had forecast scattered rain but did not anticipate hail of such intensity. Authorities are now assessing the damage and issuing updated advisories.
They have urged residents to remain cautious as more unstable weather is expected in the coming days.
The hailstorm, while short-lived, brought temporary relief from the soaring temperatures — but at a heavy cost for many in the city.
