RAWALPINDI: Light snowfall in Murree and its adjoining areas is the first of the ongoing winter season.

Stormy winds were recorded during snowfall and the temperature in Murree dropped to a minimum -4°C and maximum 6°C.

Traffic flow was affected by slippery roads. The locals left for their homes early in the evening, while tourists from all over the country continued to enjoy the scenery of the valley covered with snow.

According to reports, snowfall will continue until Friday.

Meanwhile in the twin cities, light rainfall on Thursday brought a chill in the air but the rain was welcoming for many who were suffering from seasonal allergies, flu and cough.

Light showers of rain continued throughout the day creating a slushy mess on the roads, throwing normal life out of gear.

The Met Office has predicted more rains in the next 24 hours.

A Met official stated that fog will grip the twin cities in the coming days, adding that low temperatures and high ground moisture will generate dense fog in the plain areas of Punjab and Peshawar valley during the coming weekend, affecting land and air traffic.

Some areas of the city are facing low gas pressure, the worst affected of them being Liaquat Bagh, Mohallah Raja Sultan, Committee Chowk, Chaklala, Marir Hassan, Raja Bazaar, Tench Bhatta, Dhoke Ratta and some adjoining localities.

Sajid Ahmed, a resident of Chaklala Scheme-III, said the already low gas pressure had worsened on Thursday soon after the rain began. Adiala Road resident Israr Ahmed said that it was difficult for people to cook food in the cold weather, and the government had failed to make a plan to provide natural gas to people for domestic use.

However, rain provided relief to dust allergy patients. “The rain cleared dust particles from the air because of which cough and flu will end in the coming days,” said Dr Rana Azeem from Benazir Bhutto Hospital.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2019