Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasted rain in Islamabad and snowfall on picturesque Murree hills in the next week expected to end the prolonged dry winter.

Meteorological Department Irfan Vark deputy director told SAMAA TV that the forecast offers hope for various cities, including Islamabad, combating dry weather.

Meanwhile, Lahore experiences an intense dry winter with cold winds heightened cold intensity, and reduced smog. Lahore grapples with a severe dry winter, Lahore, much like the rest of the country has been facing a dry winter.

Punjab plains bear the brunt of an intense dry winter as fog envelops the plains of Punjab, impacting visibility.

In Lahore, city temperature recorded a chilly 6 degrees Celsius, according to the Department of Meteorology leading to the closure of the Motorway due to dense fog in several places in the morning hours.

Dense fog also disrupted travel in airports, ring roads, and GOR areas as dry cold triggers colds and chest infections among citizens.

Medical experts advise citizens to safeguard against severe cold as city temperature is expected to drop to at least 4 degrees Celsius today while cold winds blow at a speed of 4 kilometers per hour, as per the Meteorological Department.

Swat Climate change effects

In Swat, due to prolonged drought in Swat, the water table has fallen to dangerous levels, while lack of rains is having a profound impact on the environment.

Due to climate change, Swat is in the grip of severe drought. Most of the winter has passed. No rain nor snow on the mountains.

Natural springs and drains are also not protected due to drought. Due to the abnormal decrease in the flow of Swat River. The water table level fell to 120 feet.

Environmental Protection Society Director Akbarzeb Khan said lack of timely rains also poses risks to agriculture. Gardens and standing crops have been severely damaged in rainy areas.

Principal Officer of Agricultural Research Center Swat Dr. Roshan Ali said that according to experts, more problems can arise due to deforestation and not securing water reserves on the ground.

“If it does not rain and snow in time. Not only water but also food shortage due to agriculture being affected,” he predicted.