Light to moderate rain turns weather pleasant

NHMP urges drivers to ensure safety in wet weather conditions

ISLAMABAD:

Light to moderate showers with occasional gaps in Islamabad decreased the temperatures significantly and turned the weather pleasant.

The rain-wind-thunderstorm of moderate to high intensity started in the federal capital during midnight and continued till the day time with gaps. The unexpected hailstorm also struck the federal capital in the midnight accompanied by rain and lightning causing problems for the weak infrastructures and vehicles.

Haris Khan, a resident of Islamabad, said "The unexpected hailstorm accompanied with strong wind in the midnight not only dropped the mercury but also damaged my temporary rooftop tin shelter, causing severe disturbance for my family." The temporary shelter was being used as a store room as I didn't have enough space for storage of essential stuff. But now as the month of Holy Ramazan is approaching fast, it is difficult to repair the damaged shelter and we are compelled to face space congestion issue till its maintenance.

Amina Farrukh, a housewife said, "Although most of the people were concerned about increasing temperatures as per some reports, this rain spell is a sigh of relief for most of people." She said, this rain spell has evoked a hope that the weather will remain pleasant in the month of Ramzan especially in the first Ashra.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain-wind-thunderstorm is expected in most parts of the country between March 16 and March 20, decreasing the day temperatures up to six to eight degree Celsius.

The rain is the result of a westerly wave entered the upper parts of the country on Thursday, gripping upper and central parts on Friday (today) and may persist till March 20.

Drive carefully

The National Highways and Motorways Police (NHMP) has urged drivers to exercise cautions for ensuring their safety during driving in rainy weather conditions.

Talking to APP on Thursday, an official of NHMP said, "Heavy rain is expected in most parts of the country. The hilly areas are also expected to be affected by landslides and in these conditions, motorists are advised to take extra precautionary measures while driving."

"NHMP have identified several motorways where slippery conditions are currently prevailing which include the M14 from Tarap to River Indus, E35 from Qalandarabad to Karmung Tunnel, M2 from Kallar Kahar to Balkasar, M1 from Islamabad Toll Plaza to Kernal Sher Khan Interchange, N5 from Ahmadnagar to Taxila, and Swat Expressway to Katanning."

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2023.