PESHAWAR: Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining tribal areas on Tuesday received the first rain of the winter season, which ended the prolonged dry spell and smog in urban areas.

Scattered snowfall was reported in Kurram Agency and Shawal valley of South Waziristan Agency, while the provincial capital got a moderate rain, which started at around 3pm turning the weather chilly.

The Met Office said heavy downpour was reported in Risalpur area of Nowshera district, which recorded 30 millimeters rainfall.

Dera Ismail Khan received 14mm rain, Bannu 2mm and Kohat 2mm, while Chirat also received moderate rain.

An official said more rains were expected in Peshawar valley and southern districts of the province.

He said the high-altitude areas of Malakand and Hazara regions were likely to receive snow. The residents of Parachinar, Kurram Agency, said Koh-i-Sufaid (white mountain) received the first snow of the season, which dropped temperatures in the entire area.

They said the low-lying areas of the valley received heavy rain.

The Met Office said rains would reduce the level of smog and dust particles in the air, which engulfed Peshawar and its surrounding areas, while visibility would also improve. The residents of Peshawar have been experiencing severe dust due to construction activities, especially work on the recently launched Rapid Bus Service project.

Rain and snowfall was also reported in Kohat division on Tuesday. The drizzle started at 1:30pm in Kohat with showers in Hangu, Thall, Darra Adamkhel and Orakzai Agency. The upper parts of Orakzai Agency got the first snowfall of the season. Local resident Inayat Aurakzai said there was snowfall in Tirah, the highest area of the tribal agency.

The Met Office said the rain would continue until Nov 16, while snowfall was expected on the mountains.

Snowfall was also reported in central Orakzai Agency and mountains adjoining Sher Kot area of Kohat district.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2017