ISLAMABAD: Islamabad and Rawalpindi finally experienced this winter season’s maiden rainfall on Wednesday night after nearly four months of dry weather, bringing much-needed relief amid a worsening water crisis.
The prolonged drought had caused groundwater levels to plummet, leading the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to declare an emergency in the twin cities earlier this week.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall measurements included 19mm in Bokra, 22mm in H-8, 20mm in Shamsabad, and 18mm in Chaklala. The rain, which began intermittently in Islamabad, continued through the night into the morning, significantly improving the weather.
The PMD has forecast additional rainfall in Islamabad and Rawalpindi over the next three days, raising hopes for temporary relief from the ongoing drought. The dry spell had also led to an uptick in viral illnesses in Rawalpindi and exacerbated the region’s water crisis.
In Kashmir’s Nikial, the drought also ended with the recent showers. Meanwhile, several parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received long-awaited rainfall, with light to heavy showers reported in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Hafizabad.
Rainfall also brought a wintry atmosphere to Gujranwala and surrounding areas, while intermittent showers in Kamalia and nearby regions caused a noticeable drop in temperatures.
In Bajaur, light rain has persisted since Tuesday evening, with the PMD predicting continued showers in the district. Heavy rainfall in Lower Dir, along with snowfall in upper areas like Shahi, Banshahi, Kalpani, and Laram Top, has added to the wintry conditions. However, the harsh weather has resulted in power outages in Munda, Samarbagh, and Maidan, disrupting daily life for residents.
In Karak, rain and hailstorms intensified the cold, while showers in North Waziristan contributed to the region’s chilly conditions.
Snowfall in Hilly Areas
Murree and Galiyat were blanketed in snow, attracting tourists to the scenic spots. The PMD has forecast further rain, snowfall, and potential hailstorms in upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming days.
Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley has also been experiencing intermittent rain and snow since late Wednesday night. Tourist hotspots like Jagran Valley, Upper Neelum, and Lawat Bala are covered in snow, enhancing the winter landscape. The PMD predicts more snowfall in the region over the next 24 hours, which could delight tourists but may also create challenging travel conditions.
Authorities have also warned of potential landslides and avalanches in hilly areas, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, and Galiyat during this weather spell.
