Welcome change: Cloudburst pulls temperatures down in twin cities

The temperature dropped by 6 degrees Celsius in Pindi and 5 in Isloo.

ISLAMABAD:

The cloudburst and short hailstorm on Wednesday brought relief to the citizens of Islamabad and Rawalpindi who were suffering in scorching heat for the past few days. It was the first shower in ten days.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, about 4mm of rain along with hail was received in the capital. The maximum temperature dropped five degrees from 42 to 37 degrees centigrade. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi received 2mm of rain and temperature dropped from 43 degree centigrade to 37 degree centigrade. More rain is expected on Thursday (today).

After Tuesday’s dust storm, the rain helped clear the air reduce the amount of dust particles, much to the delight of those with allergies. However, humidity in the late evening rose to 57%, causing breathing problems for some.

Samosa and pakora vendors also rejoiced, albeit for different reasons. Shah Hussain, a Samosa vendor in Aabpara market, said the rain dramatically increased his sales.

“I earned twice my daily income in just a few hours. Normally people avoid buying oily food in the summer, so rain in this season is a blessing for us,” he said.

Doctors were of the view that rain will help reduce the high number of heat-affected patients visiting hospital emergency wards.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2012.