ISLAMABAD, April 15: The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad turned white on Tuesday when heavy hailstorm coupled with rain lashed the cities, bringing the mercury down and making the weather pleasant.

Despite the heavy rain and hailstorm, people along with their children came out of their houses and enjoyed the weather. They were seen on the roadsides taking snaps of hails spread everywhere.

Before the rain, temperature in the capital was about 30 degrees centigrade which dropped to 15 centigrade after the downpour.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain was recorded in many parts of the country turning the weather pleasant, but it was not good for the ripen wheat crop.

The Met Office forecast scattered dust thunderstorm and rain with isolated hail in upper and Southern Punjab including Islamabad during the next 36 hours.

Chairman of Met office Dr Qamar Zaman said the hailstorm would have negative impact on crops while the rain would be beneficial for increased production in agriculture sector. It would also increase the water level in reservoirs.

He said a westerly weather system had gripped most parts of the country and was gradually moving eastward. This system is likely to subside during the next 36 hours.

In NWFP, scattered dust/thunderstorm and rain associated with isolated snowfall was likely over upper areas during the next 24 to 36 hours while isolated thundershowers associated with hail were expected over other parts of the province.

In Kashmir and Northern Areas including earthquake affected areas, thunderstorm and rain with isolated heavy fall associated with snowfall is expected at many places. Heavy rains may cause landslides in some areas.

Balochistan is expected to experience gusty winds which may cause widespread dust during the next 36 hours. In Sindh, dry weather is expected over most parts of the province. However, isolated dust thunderstorm and gusty winds are expected at few places.