PESHAWAR: A much-awaited rain on Sunday morning brought relief to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), ending a prolonged dry spell and sharply dropping temperatures across the province. Residents of Peshawar and surrounding areas felt the grip of a cold wave as light showers swept through the plains.
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The meteorological department predicted more rainfall for Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Karak, Kohat, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Abbottabad, and other districts. Upper regions of Shangla district experienced fresh snowfall, while the plains saw intermittent rain, intensifying cold conditions.
Snowfall was reported in high-altitude areas including Shangla Top, Yakhtangay, Spenghar, Gamtal, Kandaw, and Kapar Banda, blanketing hilltops in white. The harsh weather disrupted routine life in these areas, prompting residents to stay indoors, while rain in lower districts reduced visibility and made travel challenging.
The first winter rain in Bajaur ended the long dry spell in the region, though residents described Sunday’s rainfall as brief, lasting less than half an hour. The wet weather forced locals to wear warm clothing and consume hot meals to cope with the drop in temperature.
Rain and snowfall also occurred across Hazara division, including Mansehra, Torghar, Lower and Upper Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas districts. High-altitude areas like Kaghan Valley, Babusar Top, and Kandia and Spat valleys received heavy snowfall. Traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road remains suspended until summer due to snow accumulation.
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The rainy spell is expected to reduce ailments caused by the previous dry conditions, including respiratory infections. Doctors noted that if precipitation continues, it could significantly ease health issues aggravated by the cold and dry weather.