On Thursday, Pakistan witnessed a significant weather event as widespread rainfall drenched the plains, including Lahore, while snowfall persisted in the northern mountainous regions, causing a sharp drop in temperatures nationwide. This dual weather phenomenon brought both relief and disruption to various parts of the country.
Rainfall in Lahore and Plains
In Lahore, the rainfall was extensive, affecting numerous areas such as Abbott Road, Lakshmi, Gawalmandi, Johar Town, and Jail Road. Light showers were also recorded in Shadman, Awan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road, Qurtaba Chowk, Township, Bagrian, and Green Town. The city remained overcast throughout the day, with strong winds accompanying the rain, creating a gloomy atmosphere.
Power Supply Disruptions
The downpour led to significant disruptions in the power supply across several localities. More than 150 feeders of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) tripped due to wet conditions, resulting in widespread electricity outages. In response, LESCO placed its field teams on high alert to swiftly restore supply and address technical faults, aiming to minimize inconvenience for residents.
Impact on Motorways and Traffic
Light rain was reported along major motorways, including the Lahore–Islamabad M2, Pindi Bhattian–Multan M4, Multan–Rahim Yar Khan M5, and Lahore–Sialkot M11. Motorway police issued advisories urging commuters to drive cautiously, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, and avoid sudden braking on wet roads to prevent accidents and ensure safety during the adverse weather conditions.
Snowfall in Northern Regions
Meanwhile, snowfall continued in northern Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, significantly lowering temperatures in these areas. In Balochistan, regions such as Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Muslim Bagh, Toba Kakri, and Toba Achakzai received snow, with temperatures dipping below freezing in Quetta and surrounding areas. Authorities, including the National Highway Authority and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), remained actively engaged in clearing snow from key routes to maintain accessibility and safety.
Weather in Other Cities
Rain and gusty winds also swept through Karachi, offering much-needed relief from the heat in several neighbourhoods. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar and nearby districts experienced rainfall, with snow reported in parts of Waziristan and other mountainous areas. The PDMA warned of a possible intensification of rain and snowfall, urging the public to observe safety precautions and stay informed about weather updates.
Meteorological Forecast
The Meteorological Department forecast intermittent rain and snowfall across the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until January 23. Several areas are expected to receive snow over higher elevations, indicating that the cold spell may persist in the coming days. This weather pattern highlights the diverse climatic conditions across Pakistan, from the plains to the mountains.
Overall, this widespread weather event has brought both challenges, such as power outages and traffic disruptions, and benefits, like temperature relief in warmer regions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to mitigate impacts and ensure public safety.
