ISLAMABAD: A light spell of rain on Tuesday night brought welcome relief to residents of the federal capital, breaking the intensity of an unusually hot April and adding sparkle to the blooming colours of spring.
The brief showers cooled down the city, offering a much-needed break from the soaring temperatures that had left Islamabad’s residents longing for the usual charm of the season.
Traditionally known for its mild spring afternoons and breezy evenings, the capital has this year been grappling with temperatures at least 10 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average.
Earlier this week, the mercury had hovered between 35°C and 37°C — a stark contrast to the cooler Aprils of recent years, when regular rain in the region brought a distinct chill to the air.
Residents had begun to fear that the famed April rains had forsaken Islamabad for good. However, defying both expectations and forecasts, the skies opened up unexpectedly on Tuesday night, bringing smiles across the city.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), in a recent press release, had predicted dry and hot weather for most parts of the country due to dominant continental winds. A weak western disturbance was expected to enter northern parts of the country from Monday night, potentially affecting upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and nearby hilly regions.
Going region by region, PMD had predicted that the federal capital and its surrounding areas will stay hot for the better part of the day, but will begin to get cloudy in the afternoon. As the day progresses, strong winds are also likely for Islamabad.
Even after the first spell of spring rains, meteorologists, however, remain concerned. They warn that due to ongoing climate change, the capital may continue to experience warmer Aprils in the coming years, with a gradual decline in seasonal rainfall.
For now, though, Islamabad breathes a sigh of relief — even if just for a night.