Islamabad and Rawalpindi finally received heavy rainfall on Wednesday night after nearly four months, offering temporary relief amid an escalating water crisis.
Key Highlights:
- Heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi and nearby areas after four months
- More rain expected, providing temporary relief from drought
- Snowfall in Murree, Neelum Valley; tourists advised to remain cautious
Water Shortage in Twin Cities
The prolonged dry spell had severely impacted groundwater levels, leading the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to declare an emergency earlier this week.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall was recorded as follows:
- Bokra: 19mm
- H-8: 22mm
- Shamsabad: 20mm
- Chaklala: 18mm
The rainfall, which lasted through the night, has significantly improved the weather, and more showers are expected over the next three days, offering temporary relief from the ongoing drought.
Rain in Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Apart from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, various other parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also experienced light to heavy showers, including:
- Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Hafizabad in Punjab
- Bajaur, Lower Dir, Karak, and North Waziristan in KP
Gujranwala and surrounding areas experienced continuous rain, intensifying the winter chill. In Kamalia and nearby regions, intermittent showers brought a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Snowfall in Hilly Areas
Murree and Galiyat were blanketed in snow, attracting tourists, while PMD has forecasted more snowfall in upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming days.
Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir has been experiencing continuous snowfall, covering Jagran Valley, Upper Neelum, and Lawat Bala in white layers. The Meteorological Department has predicted more snowfall over the next 24 hours, enhancing the winter charm but also causing travel disruptions.
The PMD has warned of possible landslides and avalanches in:
- Murree and Galiyat
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Azad Kashmir
Tourists Advised to Be Cautious
Travelers have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution while visiting hilly areas to prevent accidents and disruptions due to harsh weather conditions.
