RAWALPINDI: The residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday experienced chilly weather due to early morning light rain accompanied by cold winds.

The rain continued till the afternoon. However, the Met Office forecast dry weather during the next 24 to 48 hours. It said mainly dry weather was expected in most parts of the country.

A westerly wave is present over upper parts and likely to move north/northeast during the next 12 hours. Another shallow westerly wave from Persian Gulf is likely to approach the central parts of Balochistan on Wednesday.

“Dry weather is expected in most parts of the country while cold in northern parts during night and morning hours. However, isolated rain-thunderstorm may occur in central Balochistan,” it said.

The Met Office recorded 2 millimetres of rainat Kutchery and 1mm at Chaklala, Shamsabad in Rawalpindi, 1mm at Zero Point, 2mm at Saidpur, 2mm at Golra and 3mm at the airport in Islamabad. The minimum temperature in Islamabad was recorded at 13 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, rainwater accumulated on roads and streets in the garrison city. Though business activities in all main markets remained slow, fish, French fries, Samosa and soup vendors did a good business.

However, traffic jams were witnessed on main roads due to faulty signals and water accumulation. The traffic remained suspended on Asghar Mall Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Fowara Chowk, Kamran Market, The Mall and Tench Bhatta.

A resident said the rain was needed to end the dry spell and settle down dust that was causing flu and cold among the citizens. The government hospitals were receiving patients suffering from seasonal ailments on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, some areas in the city also faced electricity outages. The affected areas included Murree Road, Chaudhry Bostan Khan Road, Jhanda Chichi, Saddiqabad, Nayya Mohallah, Raja Bazaar, Dhoke Ratta and adjoining localities.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2023