First winter rain breaks prolonged dry spell

Islamabad
The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday received first winter rain, which not only provided respite to people from the dry weather-related diseases but also brought more chill in the air. Murree, Nathiagali and Bhurban received first winter snowfall.
The dry spell had led to rise in air pollution hence causing chest and throat infections. However, Tuesday's rain washed away dust particles and made weather pleasant.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), showers and cloudy weather would continue in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad even on Wednesday, which would increase intensity of winter. The cold and moist winds coming from west and the north contributed to the rain that lashed wide-ranging areas of northern Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Pakistan Meteorological Department Director Dr. Muhammad Hanif told ‘The News’ that cloudy weather is expected in next 24 hours. Hilly areas like Murree, Nathiagali and Bhurban also received first snowfall of this season, which will continue on Wednesday, he predicted.
Galiyat and surrounding areas, including Nathiagali and Hazara belt were centres of attention, where snowfall was recorded on Tuesday. Bhurban, Ayubia and Murree were packed with tourists. However, access became a problem, as long queues of vehicles were seen at Satra Meel Toll Plaza at Murree Road even on the working day (Tuesday).
Muhammad Habib,who was waiting at Faizabad, said “The weather is mind-blowing. I am going to Murree to see snowfall.” “The temperature in Murree will be very low, therefore, we are equipped with warm clothes, he added.
“The first spell of rain and snowfall came late this winter, which will have a negative impact on crops,” said Nisar Ahmed, a resident of Rawalpindi.
The Rawalpindi traffic police said they have made special arrangements to facilitate tourists.
Meanwhile, first winter rain in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad was followed by a rise in demand for winter delicacies and people were seen standing in lines to buy their favourite snacks at roadside stalls and shops to enjoy chilly weather.
A market survey conducted by ‘The News’ revealed that a cup of chicken soup was available for Rs60, green tea at Rs35 per cup, coffee at Rs75 per cup, 1-kg ‘jalebi’ at Rs280, 1-kg ‘pakoray’ at Rs240, a ‘samosa’ for Rs15, whereas prices of all kinds of dry fruits were touching sky high as 1-kg peanut was being sold at Rs200-250. ‘Gajar ka Halwa’ was being sold at Rs400-450 per kg. A boiled egg was being sold for Rs20.