The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted a welcome change in the weather pattern for Islamabad and Murree. Deputy Director Irfan Vark mentioned that rain is anticipated in Islamabad, bringing relief from the prolonged dry winter. Simultaneously, the picturesque Murree hills are expected to witness snowfall. This forecast comes as a glimmer of hope for cities, including Islamabad, which have been grappling with dry weather conditions.
While Islamabad and Murree prepare for precipitation, Lahore is experiencing an intense dry winter characterized by heightened cold and reduced smog. The plains of Punjab, including Lahore, are bearing the brunt of this dry spell, leading to foggy conditions that significantly impact visibility. The city recorded a chilly 6 degrees Celsius, causing disruptions such as the closure of the Motorway due to dense fog. The dry cold is also triggering colds and chest infections among citizens.
In Swat, the prolonged drought has led to a concerning drop in the water table. The absence of rain and snow has taken a toll on the environment, affecting natural springs and drains. Due to climate change, Swat is in the grip of severe drought, with adverse effects on agriculture. Lack of timely rains poses risks to crops, and standing crops and gardens have suffered damage. The water table has fallen to 120 feet, indicating a critical situation that demands attention.
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The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts partly cloudy weather and scattered rains for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the next two days. Continental air prevailing over most parts of Pakistan is contributing to these weather conditions. Cold and dry weather is expected in the region, with freezing temperatures in upper districts. Additionally, dense fog and smog are likely to persist in various areas, disrupting visibility and causing challenges for transportation.
Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is experiencing freezing weather with a minimum temperature recorded at 4 degrees Celsius. The city is grappling with dense fog and smog, impacting traffic on inter and intra-city roads. Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan are among the areas where fog and smog are causing visibility issues. The overall weather scenario reflects the complex dynamics of winter across different regions of Pakistan.