Residents of Islamabad were caught off guard on Friday morning when a sudden hailstorm swept through the city, turning a routine day into a brief moment of panic. The weather changed around 11:45 am, when rain in the federal capital was followed by hail, surprising people who were already out on the roads.
Motorists were seen slowing down and pulling over, searching for any form of shelter. Bikers struggled the most, with many stopping under trees, flyovers, or roadside sheds to escape the falling ice. While the hailstones were small, locals described them as “chotay chotay olay”, the scene was enough to revive uneasy memories.
For many, the short burst of hail brought back flashbacks of the destructive hailstorm that hit Islamabad earlier this year. That incident, reported in April, caused widespread damage across the city. Thousands of vehicles were affected, with shattered windscreens, dented car bodies, and costly repairs becoming a common sight. Almost every car that was out during that storm suffered some form of damage.
Friday’s hailstorm, however, did not last long. Within a few minutes, the intensity eased and conditions began to improve. Still, the brief spell was enough to leave motorists worried, as many feared the weather could worsen again. Although rain had been predicted for Islamabad, a hailstorm of any kind was not widely expected.
The impact was not limited to Islamabad alone. Several areas of Rawalpindi also reported light hail, adding to concerns across the twin cities. Fortunately, no immediate reports of damage or injuries surfaced.
Weather experts often advise taking simple precautions during such conditions. Parking vehicles in covered or shaded areas can help reduce the risk of damage if hail returns. Friday’s sudden change served as a reminder of how quickly weather can turn, and how prepared residents need to be, especially after the losses seen in past storms.
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