SWAT/MOHMAND: Swat experienced a sharp drop in temperature on Friday after a persistent spell of rain and hailstorm swept across the district.

According to the Met department, the past 24 hours saw intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and a hailstorm affecting various parts of Swat. A total of 19mm of rainfall was recorded, with temperatures plunging below freezing point in Malam Jabba, Gabin Jabba, Kalam, Mankiyal, Matiltan, Utror, and Gabral.

Residents of Kalam said that they also witnessed light snowfall on the mountains.

The severe hailstorm caused significant damage to orchards, sparking concerns among local farmers, who rely on fruit production for their livelihood. “The hailstorm has badly damaged apple and persimmon crops, which were nearing harvest,” said a farmer in Matta.

The cold snap has forced residents to take out their winter clothing, with people donning warm jackets, shawls, and woollen hats to fend off the sudden chill. Markets in Mingora and other towns saw a surge in demand for warm clothing as temperatures continue to plummet.

Meanwhile, authorities have advised travellers to exercise caution while heading towards the mountainous areas of Swat, as slippery roads and reduced visibility due to rain and fog could pose risks.

Meteorologists have predicted that the current weather pattern may persist over the weekend, with more rain and a possible drop in temperatures.

Also, a severe hailstorm lashed various parts of Mohmand district on Thursday night, destroying standing crops.

The hailstorm started in the small hours and lashed parts of Halimzai, Pandilai, Khwezai and Ambar tehsils, destroying crops and plummeting the temperatures.

Hailstorm also affected vegetable farms, including onion, garlic, chillies, tomatoes and wheat.

A farmer, Fazlur Rehman, said that onion was the second largest crop after wheat in the affected areas.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2025