Rain lashes K-P cities as snowfall blankets northern areas

Continuous rain and snowfall have hit Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), increasing the intensity of cold and causing disruptions in various regions.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that Peshawar and surrounding cities have been experiencing the season’s first prolonged spell of rain, with downpours expected to continue over the next 24 hours.

Temperatures have dropped sharply, with Peshawar at 8°C, while Dir, Chitral, Kalam, and Malam Jabba recorded sub-zero temperatures.

Heavy rain has led to waterlogging in low-lying areas of Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Kohat, and Jamrud, causing difficulties for residents.

However, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that no significant damage has been reported so far.

In Dir and Chitral, snowfall has created scenic winter landscapes, with up to a foot of snow recorded in high-altitude areas, including Lowari Tunnel, Kumrat Valley, and Shahibn Shahib. Authorities confirmed that the Chitral-Dir road remains open, but vehicles without snow chains are not permitted to pass through Lowari Tunnel.

The severe weather has led to power outages in several areas, leaving residents without electricity for extended hours.

In Peshawar, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) struggled to restore power, with many areas left without electricity for over 10 hours.

The rain also impacted solar power systems, leaving homes without backup energy.

Despite the disruptions, the snowfall has attracted visitors eager to witness the stunning winter scenery.

Authorities have advised travellers to exercise caution due to slippery roads and low visibility in mountainous regions.

Moreover, rain is expected to continue in Lahore and various regions of Punjab today, as the weather system responsible for the downpour remains active.

Since last evening, intermittent rainfall has been occurring across the province, with cooler temperatures following the rain.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has stated that the rainfall, after five months, in Rawalpindi and Islamabad will help end the drought.

The Meteorological Department reports that temperatures have slightly dropped across Punjab after the rain, with snowfall expected in the hilly areas.

Areas involved Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Khushab, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzafargarh, Taunsa Sharif, Khanewal, Sahwal, Pakpattan, Okara, and Bahawalnagar are like to expire rainfall today.

In Lahore, the minimum temperature has been recorded at 11°C, with a high of up to 22°C expected.

Director General of PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, advised travelers to exercise caution and plan their activities according to the weather conditions. He emphasized that the PDMA’s control room is monitoring the situation 24/7. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions, and in case of emergencies, they can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.