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