Heavy rain and hailstorm disrupted routine life in Lahore and delayed a key match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The toss for the match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi could not take place at the scheduled time at Gaddafi Stadium. It was set for 6:30pm, but persistent rain kept captains off the field.
Ground staff covered the pitch and outfield with plastic sheets. Officials said the pitch remains playable, but the start depends on rain stopping.
The Met Office has forecast more rain in Lahore and nearby areas, raising uncertainty over the match.
Meanwhile, heavy rain and strong winds hit several parts of the city. Downpours were reported in Gulberg, Kalma Chowk, Ferozepur Road, Nishtar Park and Johar Town.
Feeders tripped
Over 100 feeders tripped due to the storm, causing power outages in many areas. LESCO officials said sudden pressure on the system caused the disruption, and restoration work is under way.
Rain also affected team training sessions, while cricket fans faced delays due to the weather.
PDMA issues alert
National Disaster Management Authority has issued a high alert after forecasting rain with thunderstorms from March 31 to April 5 across the country.
The authority warned that expected rains may trigger flood-like situations in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
According to the advisory, parts of Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to receive rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with chances of hailstorms at isolated locations.
Rain is expected intermittently until April 4 in Islamabad and several Punjab cities, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin.
Other districts likely to receive rain include Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.
Authorities have advised caution as weather conditions may worsen in the coming days.
