After nearly four months of dry weather, Islamabad and Rawalpindi received much-needed rain on Wednesday night, alleviating a growing water problem. As intermittent rain persisted through the night and into the morning, the weather improved.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared an emergency this week due to a dramatic drop in groundwater levels due to the protracted dry period. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts further rainfall over the following three days, easing the drought.
The prolonged dry spell in Rawalpindi also increased viral infections. The drought in Nikial, Kashmir, has ended thanks to recent rainfall.
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw rain in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Hafizabad. Rain continued in Gujranwala and its surroundings, creating a wintry feeling, while sporadic rain in Kamalia lowered temperatures.
Since last evening, Bajaur has seen light rain, and the PMD predicts more. Lower Dir has been drenched, while Shahi, Banshahi, Kalpani, and Laram Top are snowed in. Residents in Munda, Samarbagh, and Maidan have lost power due to bad weather.
Rain and hailstorms in Karak and North Waziristan exacerbated the cold. Tourists are visiting Murree and Galiyat due to snowfall, while the PMD predicts further rain, snow, and hailstorms in upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Since late last night, Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley has seen sporadic rain and snow. The PMD predicts more snowfall in the next 24 hours for Jagran Valley, Upper Neelum, and Lawat Bala. This will enhance the region’s winter appeal but may affect traffic.
