Rawalpindi
The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad received first rainfall of the year on Tuesday which further dipped the mercury on the scale and turned weather a bit chillier.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), moderate to heavy rainfall was recorded in Islamabad and many cities of Punjab.
The rain began in the morning and continued intermittently till evening, creating problems, particularly for daily wagers, motorcyclists and motorists.
On the other hand, rainwater accumulated in many low-lying localities due to poor drainage system exposing the poor performance of civic bodies. Power supply got suspended at intervals in different localities, including Adiala Road, Defence Road and Dhoke Juma during rain.
The rain gave an opportunity to many families to enjoy hot and crispy food items. Many people were seen standing outside shops selling crispy ‘pakoras’, ‘samosas’, ‘jalebis’ and soup.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Director Dr. Muhammad Hanif told ‘The News’ that the current rain spell would continue for 12 to 14 hours.
There would be dry weather on Wednesday, he claimed. He said that hilly areas like Murree and Nathiagali would receive heavy snowfall late at night. The heavy snowfall would continue till Wednesday night, he said. He warned that the intensity of cold would increase in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islama-
bad after the current rainspell.
The AJK received heavy snowfall on Tuesday.He said the temperature would remain low due to cold waves coming from hilly areas like Murree, Nathiagali and AJK. “The residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would face cold weather during next 36 to 48 hours,” he warned.