PESHAWAR: Mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the tribal districts, on Monday received heavy snow, the first of the winter season, with plains receiving a much-awaited rain overnight.

Peshawar received 18 millimeter rain with more forecast for the next 24 hours. Heavy overcast conditions prevailed in Peshawar and other districts throughout the day. The local Met office recorded minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius in the provincial capital. The rain and snowfall brought down mercury and added chill to the air.

In Abbottabad, Thandyiani, Ayubia, Nathiagali, Donga Gali, Changla Gali and other hilly areas received first snowfall of the season, dipping temperatures below freezing point.

In Galyat, one foot of snow was recorded, while the hilly areas received snow ranging from one to two feet. Abbottabad-Murree Road from Bara Gali onward was closed. The road from Barain to Nathiagali from Murree side was also closed.

Power supply was suspended in different parts of Galyat since Monday morning and Pesco staff was busy restoring the supply.

In Shangla, heavy snowfall continued for the second consecutive day in upper parts on Monday, blocking Bisham-Swat road at Shangla Top and Alpuri-Puran road at Yakhtangay.

In Mansehra, the upper parts of Hazara received snowfall and rain bringing the mercury down.

The snowfall, which started in early hours of Monday, continued intermittently during the day in Kaghan and Siren valleys in Mansehra, Kandia and other valleys in Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas and Torghar districts. In Mingora, rain in plains and snowfall on the mountains broke the longstanding dry spell.

According to the Met office, about two feet snow fell in Malam Jabba, Kalam, Utror, Gabral, Ushu and Matiltan. Similarly, Bahrain, Madyan, Sangar, Matta and Khwazakhela also received snowfall.

Kalam road was closed owing to landslides, however, it was later opened for traffic.

In Battagram, rain in plains and snowfall on the mountains further dropped the temperature.

The Orakzai and Hangu districts and adjoining areas also received the first snowfall of the season, which disrupted electricity supply and vehicular traffic.

Upper and Lower Dir and Chitral districts also received heavy rain and snowfall. Many link roads were blocked in Upper Dir. Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Kohat region.

Heavy snowfall was recorded across Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday, disrupting vehicular traffic and electricity supply.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2018