LAHORE – Windstorm and rain in the City and its suburbs on Tuesday increased chill in the weather, heralding the onset of winter.
High velocity winds started blowing in the evening and continued for half an hour followed by rains, causing considerable decrease in the mercury level. Winds continued to blow until late at night, increasing chill during nighttime. Windstorm caused felling of tree branches, billboards, steamers and banners on busy roads, including The Mall, adding to the woes of motorists by slowing down vehicular movement.
On Tuesday, the maximum and minimum temperature in the City remained 30 and 16 degrees Celsius, respectively; while relative humidity in the evening was recorded at 53 per cent. People come out of their houses in the evening to enjoy early winter conditions. Major parks and picnic spots attracted a large number of people including women and children in the evening. Huge rush was witnessed at Bagh-e-Jinnah, Jillani Park, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Jallo Park, Lahore Zoo and other picnic spots in the City. Traffic mess was also witnessed on the roads in the close vicinity of these picnic spots.
The rains added to the woes and miseries of motorists and pedestrians because rainwater inundated on portions of roads and roadsides. Inundated rainwater on roadsides and slippery conditions caused massive traffic jams throughout the City, especially in the close vicinity of markets and shopping centres.
According to experts, continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country. The local meteorological department has forecast light rain for Azad Jammu and Kashmir; Gilgit-Baltistan; and Hazara, Gujranwala and Lahore divisions, including the City, during the next couple of days. Mainly dry weather is expected in remaining parts of the country. On Tuesday, Jhang received 10mm, Jhelum 7mm, Rawalakot 5mm and Bhakkar 2mm rain.