With the onset of September, Islamabad residents are embracing cooler and more pleasant days after an unusually mild summer shaped by heavy rains and nationwide flooding. The seasonal shift has not only altered lifestyles and consumer trends but also brought a rise in seasonal illnesses.
In markets across the capital, demand for summer clothing has sharply declined. Shopkeepers at Centaurus Mall, Aabpara, and G-9 Markaz reported that customers are now opting for full-sleeve shirts, light jackets, and mid-season outfits instead of cotton T-shirts and shorts. "People are preparing early for autumn this year. Demand for light jackets has already started," said a shop owner in F-10 Markaz.
The change in weather has also reduced the reliance on cooling appliances. Many households have switched off air conditioners and fans, turning instead to natural ventilation. Cooler evenings are drawing families outdoors, with tea stalls and cafés in F-6 and F-7 sectors witnessing a surge in customers. "Sales of hot tea and coffee rise the moment evenings turn pleasant," said a café manager at Jinnah Super. The reduced use of air conditioners has further provided relief from high electricity bills, which had soared during July's brief heatwave.
Doctors, however, caution that the sudden temperature drop is leading to flu, fever, sore throats, and allergies. "The body takes time to adapt to fluctuating weather. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable," said Dr Khalid of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Pharmacies across the city also report an increase in sales of flu medicine, cough syrups, and herbal remedies. Schools have advised parents to dress children in full-sleeved clothing to minimize exposure to cold mornings.
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