In a surprising twist of weather events, dense fog has descended upon various areas of the federal capital, causing disruptions in the daily lives of Islamabad and Rawalpindi residents. This unexpected phenomenon, more commonly associated with cities like Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujranwala, has posed significant challenges to commuting and routine activities.
Uncommon Occurrence Grips Islamabad and Rawalpindi
The thick fog, an uncommon occurrence in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, made its presence felt around 11:30 PM on Monday, shrouding several localities along the Islamabad Expressway. Areas including Fazaia Colony, The Springs Apartment Homes, Ghauri Town, Gangal West, and Gangal East experienced reduced visibility, creating challenging conditions for residents navigating through the obscured roads.
Intensifying Fog and Widening Impact
Around 3 AM on Tuesday, the fog intensified further, expanding to multiple sectors of Islamabad, including Blue Area, F7, G6, F6, and several popular residential sectors. Residents found themselves grappling with significant difficulties in navigating through the obscured roads, heightening the risk of accidents in the affected areas.
Major Motorways Disrupted
Adding to the challenges, major motorways faced closures due to decreased visibility. Motorway M5 was shut down for traffic from Ghotki to Rohri, citing heavy fog as the cause. Simultaneously, Motorway M1 experienced closures from Rashakai to Peshawar due to heavy smog, further complicating travel plans for commuters.
Caution Advised and Alternative Routes Suggested
The closure of these vital transportation arteries prompted authorities to advise caution and seek alternative routes where possible. The unexpected weather conditions caught many off guard, emphasizing the need for drivers to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety guidelines while navigating through the foggy conditions.
Unusual Weather Phenomenon Continues
As residents brace themselves for the continuation of this unusual weather phenomenon, motorway authorities are actively monitoring the situation. The unpredictability of the fog in normally unaffected areas serves as a reminder for the public to stay vigilant and adapt to changing weather patterns.
Social Media Echoes Surprise
A number of citizens took to social media to share their shocked reactions, especially those who had not witnessed such fog in Islamabad and Rawalpindi before. Some shared photos depicting ‘zero visibility’ on roads and residential streets, highlighting the severity of the situation.
As of 6:20 AM, the fog has persisted stubbornly in the twin cities for more than seven hours, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness for the unexpected in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.