• Rawalpindi, suburbs see heavy rain after almost four months.
• More rain is expected, which brings relief in the middle of worsening of drought.
• Snowfall in Murree, Neelum Valley; Tourists advised to remain cautious.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi finally received heavy rainfall on Wednesday night after almost four months, which delivered much needed relief in the midst of an escalating water crisis.

The prolonged dry spell had led to falling groundwater levels, prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to declare an emergency in the twin towns earlier this week.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), precipitation was registered 19 mm in Bokra, 22 mm in H-8, 20 mm in Shamsabad and 18 mm in Chaklala.

The rain, which began at intervals in Islamabad, continued all night until the morning, which significantly improved the weather. Met Office has predicted further rainfall in the capital and Pindi for the next three days, bringing hope for temporary relief from the ongoing drought.

The prolonged dry conditions had contributed to an increase in viral diseases in rawalpindi, while creating a sharp decrease in groundwater levels.

In addition, the long -lasting drought in Kashmir’s Nikial finally ended with the recent rain.

Meanwhile, other parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also experienced rainfall after a long hole, with light for heavy showers reported in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Hafizabad.

Showerers also continued in Punjabs Gujranwala and its surrounding areas, adding the wintry atmosphere. In Kamalia and nearby regions, intermittent rainfall further intensified the cold, which brought a significant decrease in temperatures.

Adding to the widespread wet weather, Bajaur has experienced light rainfall since last night, with the meteorological department that predicts additional showers throughout the district. In a lower conductor, heavy rain has continued since last night, while the top areas, including Shahi, Banshahi, Kalpani and Laram Top, have become the blanket in snow. The harsh weather has led to power outages in several areas, including Munda, Samarbagh and Maidan, which have caused difficulties for residents.

Meanwhile, Karak witnessed rainfall and hailstorms, which further intensified the cold, while different parts of North Waziristan also received showers, adding the cool conditions that grabbed the region.

Snowfall in hilly areas

Murree and Galiyat witnessed snowfalls and attracted tourists, while Met Office also predicts rain, snowfall and possible hailstorms in Upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming days.

The troll form and the snowfall are expanded to Azad Kashmir, where Neelum Valley has experienced intermittent rain and snow since late last night. Popular tourist places, including Jagran Valley, Upper Neelum and Lawat Bala, have also become the blanket in snow. The meteorological department has predicted increased snowfall in the region over the next 24 hours, which can improve the winter charm, but can also affect travel conditions.

PMD has indicated the possibility of landslide and avalanche in hilly areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat during this period.

The tourists have been asked to remain extra careful and avoid unnecessary journeys.