Rain brings relief for smog-choked Punjab

Rain has lashed several parts of the country including Lahore improving the level of air quality in the city which has been ranked as the second most polluted city in the world for the past few days, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

Several low-lying areas have been inundated after a heavy shower hitting the city since morning. The electricity supply was also disrupted.

The different areas of Lahore that have been soaked with the cloudburst include: Garhi Shahu, Abbot Road, Canal Road, Barkat Market, Gulberg, Kalma Chowk, Model Town, Samanabad, Gulshan Ravi, Dharampura, Lakshami Chowk, Nisbat Road, Kahna, Gojmata, Ferozpur Road, Ichhra, and Chungi Amarsidhu.

https://twitter.com/Pak_Weather/status/1722824391967260922

After the downpour, Lahore’s air quality has improved with its AQI level recorded at 119 today. The minimum temperature has also been dropped to 15C and maximum temperature will rise to 21C.

https://twitter.com/Pak_Weather/status/1722821742584836580

Apart from Lahore, rain pounded other parts including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Talagang, Pakpattan, Phalia, Sukheki, Wazirabad, Muridke, Chiniot, Okara, Sahiwal, Arifwala, Bahawalnagar, Narowal, Gojra, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sangla Hill and other cities.

https://twitter.com/Pak_Weather/status/1722672927903199410

Overall weather

According to the weather report, there are dense clouds in the upper regions of the country, especially, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, northwestern and northern areas of Punjab, which are causing heavy rain and hailstorms in different areas. Torrential rain and heavy hail were recorded in Rawalpindi.

During the next 12/24 hours, this series of westerly winds will spread to Central Punjab and East Punjab due to which Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lala Musa, Chinot, Sahiwal, Hafizabad, Murid K, Nankana Sahib will be affected. And there are chances of rain/hailstorm with thundershowers in the vicinity.

Chances of hail and snowfall may also occur over the high mountains of Malika Kohsar Murree/Guliat during this time.

This series of western winds is likely to continue intermittently in the northern and central regions of the country during the next two days.

Due to the series of rains, the ongoing smog situation in Upper Punjab is likely to decrease.

https://twitter.com/Pak_Weather/status/1722708959474094175

Snowfall in Neelum Valley

Snow falling in Neelum Valley continues as the valley is also receiving heavy showers.

Several lower districts including District Headquarters have been hit by heavy rain.

Shahrae Neelum, the main thoroughfare that connects the upper areas of the valley has been closed due to land sliding.

The communication roads in other tourist places including Ratigali, Urang, Keil, Taubat and Lovat Bala have been closed due to snowfall.

The intensity in the cold has been increased in the upper areas of Neelum Valley.

According to the weather report, rain and snow will continue to barrel the valley till night.

 

Reporters Fatima Khan and Ashfaq Abbasi