The first snowfall and rain of the winter season was recorded on Tuesday across various hill ranges of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
PESHAWAR:
The first snowfall and rain of the winter season was recorded on Tuesday across various hill areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, bringing a sharp fall in temperatures and much-needed relief after a prolonged dry spell.
The change in weather has caused joy among local residents and farmers, who see the rainfall as a blessing for agriculture and water resources.
According to local sources, light to moderate snowfall was reported in high altitude areas of North and South Waziristan including Razmak, Angoor Adda, Shawal, Khamrang, Raghzai, Kaniguram, Badr, Ladha and surrounding regions while intermittent rainfall continued in lower areas. After the snowfall, mountain ranges were covered in white, which significantly enhanced the natural beauty of the region.
Residents welcomed the change in weather, saying the rain and snow had made the climate pleasant after months of dryness. People were seen enjoying the snowy landscape in several areas, while elders and farmers described the rainfall as a blessing from nature.
Farmers and landowners said the first snowfall and rain are critically important from an agricultural perspective. They noted that rainwater and melting snow would increase soil moisture, benefiting wheat crops currently at a sensitive growth stage. Improved yields are also expected for orchard products such as pine nuts (chilghoza), apples, peaches and plums.
In South Waziristan, the first snowfall of the winter began overnight in the mountainous areas of Birmal, Shakai, Ladha, Sam, Makeen, Shawal and Pir Ghar. The district authorities said full preparations were in place to deal with any untoward situation.
However, snowfall in the upper reaches has led to a marked drop in temperatures, and slippery conditions have partially affected movement in some remote areas.
Similar weather conditions were reported from Upper and Lower Dir where rain lashed urban areas while snowfall continued on the surrounding mountains including Kumrat Valley, Jahaz Banda, Badgoi, Lowari Tunnel, Kalpani and Shahai. Cold winds further intensified the cold, prompting tourists to head for scenic spots to enjoy the winter weather.
In Chitral, rain and snowfall were reported in Kalash valleys, Lowari Tunnel Road, Madak Lasht, Garam Chashma, Yarkhun, Broghil, Shandur, upper Torkhow and Terich areas.
Residents in water-scarce localities expressed happiness over the rainfall, even as increasing cold and scarcity of firewood has led to a sharp rise in fuel prices, especially in Lower Chitral.
According to the weather forecast for the next 24 hours, rain with strong winds and thundershowers are expected over large parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with snowfall likely in the upper mountainous areas. Fog may also develop on the plains. Authorities have warned of possible roadblocks, landslides and avalanches in hilly areas, urging travelers and tourists to exercise extreme caution.
