A chilling transformation took over the upper regions of Pakistan as snow and rain made their grand return, marking a significant departure from the dry spell that had plagued the area. Residents rejoiced at the long-awaited precipitation, which not only brought a welcome respite from the arid conditions but also painted the landscape in a magical winter hue.
The downpour, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms, extended its reach across the upper and central parts of the country. The capital city of Islamabad saw the heavens open up, with Golra recording an impressive 70mm of rain, setting the stage for a refreshing change. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Dir Bala embraced 56mm of rain, while Cherat and Bacha Khan Airport received 46mm and 38mm, respectively. Islamabad’s neighbouring city, Murree, also witnessed a deluge of 23mm, painting the town in a refreshing shade of green.
As the clouds burst, the mountainous regions donned their winter garb, with snowfall blanketing Murree in a picturesque layer of white. The unexpected change in weather caught the local authorities off guard, prompting a flurry of activity to manage the situation. The residents, however, welcomed the snowfall with open arms, turning the town into a winter wonderland that beckoned visitors to revel in its charm.
In a surprising turn of events, Rawalpindi also received its share of rainfall after a dry spell that lasted four months. The overnight showers breathed new life into the city, cleansing its streets and reviving the water levels in the dams, much to the relief of the residents. Umar Farooq, the director of Wasa, hailed the rain as a blessing, highlighting its positive impact on the city’s water supply and agricultural prospects.
Meanwhile, the Kaghan Valley and Abbottabad found themselves draped in a blanket of snow, ushering in the return of the icy embrace of winter. The heavy snowfall, which reached up to six inches in Shogran and one foot in Naran, brought temperatures plummeting below freezing, setting the stage for a chilly winter ahead. The snow-removing teams worked tirelessly to clear the roads, ensuring that tourists could access the stunning winter landscapes of the region.
As the snowfall continued, tourists from far and wide flocked to Shogran and Kaghan, eager to immerse themselves in the snowy splendor. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) anticipated further snowfall in the mountains, and the recent precipitation was expected to revive the dried-up springs in the Kaghan Valley, breathing new life into the region.
In Shangla district, a winter wonderland unfolded as heavy rainfall transitioned into snowfall, coating the valley in a pristine white layer. The picturesque scenes were marred by a house roof collapse in Swabi district, serving as a stark reminder of the harshness of winter. As the temperatures continued to drop, Leh recorded a bone-chilling -8°C, while other areas experienced sub-zero temperatures, painting a vivid picture of the winter’s grip on the region.
Despite the cold and dry weather forecasted for most parts of the country, Balochistan braced for partly cloudy conditions with the possibility of thunderstorms and light snowfall in the mountainous areas. The coastal regions of Sindh anticipated light drizzles, while northeastern Punjab geared up for moderate fog during the morning hours. As Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan readied themselves for severely cold weather, the entire nation found itself in the icy embrace of winter once more.
