Temperature drops rapidly as rain, cold winds sweep Pakistan

Winter has begun to set in across Pakistan as rain, thunderstorms and strong, chilly winds sweep several parts of the country, bringing relief from the recent heat while creating difficult conditions in some areas.

Rain accompanied by thunder and lightning has intensified the chill in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with low-lying areas inundated and power feeders tripping in several locations.

The temperature has dropped rapidly across southern and central Punjab following the rainfall, with the prolonged heat giving way to noticeably colder conditions.

Light to heavy rain has continued from Sialkot to Jhelum and Toba Tek Singh, while cold winds have intensified in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. Rain is also continuing in Mansehra, Kaghan Valley and Siran Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall is expected to continue in Haripur until Tuesday evening.

Torrential rain signals winter’s arrival in twin cities

The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced a major weather shift after overnight clouds produced torrential rain early in the morning.

Thunder and lightning accompanied the downpour, followed by cold winds that quickly replaced the warmer weather and gave residents an early taste of winter.

So far, 22 millimetres of rain has been recorded in the twin cities. Saidpur received 30mm, while Shamsabad and Gwalmandi recorded 26mm each.

Pirwadhai received 25mm, the Meteorological Department station recorded 22mm and Golra received 20mm. Katchehry recorded 14mm, while Katarian received 4mm of rainfall.

Rainfall in the catchment area has also caused water levels to rise in Nullah Leh, raising attention around drainage and low-lying areas in Rawalpindi. The water level reached 10 feet at Katarian and 9.5 feet at Gwalmandi following the rainfall.