Fog thins out as winter rains lash various parts of country

New western disturbance brings fresh spell of rain, snow in most parts of country

KARACHI:

The first rains of the current winter season in most parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, and snowfall in upper areas of the country turned weather colder and dissipated some of the fog in the plain areas.

Previously, Pakistan had been in the grip of a severe cold wave as foggy conditions had intensified in many parts of the country. The dense fog engulfing several areas of the country has brought regular activities of life to a halt.

Earlier this week, the weather was expected to remain dry and cold in most parts of the country. The Met Office had added that the country’s northern areas as well as the upper half of Balochistan would remain affected by severe cold.

A dense fog had been witnessed in the plains of Punjab. Similar weather conditions were expected in the plains of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and upper parts of Sindh.

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However, a new westerly disturbance has brought rain in various parts of the country and snowfall in the northern areas.

Rain was also reported across Balochistan, including Quetta on Wednesday night. A flood line also entered a nullah in Nushki. The intensity of the cold also increased after some heavy and some light rain in various places including Mastung, Kalat, Turbat, Ziarat, Pashin, Qila Saifullah and Qila Abdullah and Makran.

Meanwhile, citizens faced difficulties due to a decrease in Sui gas pressure.

In view of the weather situation, an emergency was imposed by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) department. PDMA rescue force, supporting staff as well as PDMA officers were ordered to remain in the offices at all times.

Staff and heavy machinery were dispatched to the targeted places to ensure traffic.

Punjab

Winter clouds have settled in different areas of Lahore as drizzle continues in different areas of the city. There was light rain in different areas of the city including Gulberg, Lakshmi Chowk, Johar Town and Baghbanpura.

According to Motorway Spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, Motorway M-2 was opened for traffic after an improvement in visibility.

After light rain, the weather turned colder in Bahawalnagar, Bhakkar, Sheikhupura, Borewala, Pindadadan Khan, Multan, Raiwand, Pakpattan, Chishtian, Muridke, Sahiwal, Arifwala, Chichawatani and surrounding areas.

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To the joy of tourists visiting Galiyat, Murree, and Nathiagali and surrounding areas also experienced snow.

The influx of tourists also continued steadily due to winter vacation.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The intensity of cold also increased in Peshawar after a light rain spell with the fog receding. Similarly, Nowshera also experienced a drizzle and a change in weather.

With the temperature dropping below -4 degrees Celsius, Parachinar continued to experience snowfall and an increase in the intensity of cold.

Sindh

Karachi remained partly cloudy with western winds flowing in while most areas remain sunny.

Due to the system, the wind speed increased from the southwest direction of the sea. The maximum wind speed is being recorded at 20 kmph while the wind speed is likely to increase to 40 kmph.

There is no chance of rain in the city, and the city may get cold again next week.