PESHAWAR, Nov 28: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the adjoining Federally Administered Tribal Areas on Wednesday received moderate rain and the first snowfall of the season, lowering temperature to below freezing point in many parts of the region.

Upper parts of Hazara and Malakand divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kurram, Khyber and Orakzai agencies received snow. The Met Office forecasts more rain and snowfall during the next 24 hours.

According to the Met Office, Parachinar, headquarters of Kurram Agency, was the coldest area in the region on Wednesday where the minimum temperature was minus two degree Celsius. It was followed by Kalam and Upper Dir where minus one degree temperature was recorded.

Hamlets near Parachinar town also received first snowfall of the season.

Severe cold gripped high altitude areas of Hazara and several valleys received snowfall and heavy rain. Residents said that snow started in Kaghan, Allai and Kundia valleys on Tuesday evening continued on the second consecutive day.

Sporadic rainfall has been reported in Mansehra, Battagram and Kohistan districts in the day, while landslides blocking link roads have been reported in different valleys.

Thandiyani, Merajani and other hill stations in Galiyat received light snow, while the continuous rain and cold winds lowered temperature to below freezing point in Abbottabad and its surrounding areas.

According to locals, six inches snowfall has been recorded in Thandiyani and upper parts of Nathiagali, Ayubia and Donga Gali.

Bad weather hampered flight schedule and flights between Peshawar and Chitral had been cancelled since Tuesday. Lowari Top has already been closed for traffic due to snowfall and inclement weather.

Snowfall in upper areas and continuous rains made weather cool in plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar.

The Met Office said the minimum temperature was around five degree Celsius in the provincial capital on Wednesday.

Doctors say the change in weather will reduce problems caused by dust and dry spell.

According to them, the abrupt shift in the season also requires parents to take extra care of their children. They should wear warm clothes in view of falling temperature after the rain.

Peshawar and its surrounding areas received light shower and it was raining intermittently during the day. The rain forced the people to take out woolies and warm clothes as temperature remained low.

The wet and cold season also increased the sales of dried fruit.

The Met Office said the positive aspect of the rain was that it would reduce the density of fog in Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan and Nowshera and would relieve the severity of the cold wave.

Meanwhile, sales of secondhand woolies have increased in the province after the start of winter. The people have also begun using heaters at home and workplaces to stay warm.