RAWALPINDI: Intermittent rain lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday, bringing chill to the air. The rain came as a blessing for pollen allergy patients and farmers of Potohar region.

The rain started early in the morning and continued intermittently till at 8pm. The Met Office predicted more rain during the next 24 hours.

It recorded 4mm rain at Islamabad airport, 3mm at Zero Point, 2mm at Golra and 1mm at Saidpur in Islamabad while 3mm rain at Chaklala, 2mm at Kutchery and 1mm at Shamsabad in Rawalpindi.

It said a strong westerly wave was affecting upper and central parts of the country and may persist during the next two to three days.

Intermittent widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorm and snow over hills was expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Potohar region, Islamabad, Murree and Galliyat.

Meanwhile, most of the residents opted to stay indoors in order to avoid mud on streets and roads. All main markets and bazaars witnessed fewer customers.

On the other hand, the rain was a blessing for allergy patients, especially those suffering from pollen allergy. With the start of spring season, the number of pollen allergy patients increases in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

A senior doctor at the Holy Family Hospital said the rain cleared the air from dust and other particulars and decreased pollen counts.

The rain was also a blessing for farmers in arid agriculture areas in and around Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2025