ISLAMABAD: Citizens of Islamabad experienced a rainfall on Wednesday evening, with thunderstorms and heavy clouds in the sky.
Previously, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecasted possibility of light rain in some parts of Islamabad on Wednesday night.
According to PMD, a shallow Westerly wave approached the northeastern parts of the country.
Hence, light drizzle was likely in Islamabad’s weather. However, dry weather was expected in Islamabad weather on Thursday and Friday with minimum temperature remaining between 11°C and 13°C on Thursday and 12°C and 14°C on Friday.
As spring approaches, Islamabad’s weather experienced a rise in temperature with a fading winter. However, twin cities’ residents experienced a chilly delight as rainfall occurred in Islamabad bring chilly winds and thunderstorms.
Earlier this month, the PMD issued a pollen spread advisory for the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, stating, “The Pollen spread has started in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and is expected to peak during the second to third week of March 2025.The pollen concentration gradually increases with the onset of spring season and attains its peak around full bloom of flowers.”
According to PMD, Islamabad’s pollen count is mostly due to plants known as Paper Mulberry, accounting for 97 percent of total pollen with peak concentrations reaching 45,000 per cubic meter.
Subsequently, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had decided to remove all wild mulberry trees which contribute to pollen allergies in Islamabad’s weather.
The CDA intends to plant native trees instead which are more suitable to the city’s biodiversity.
The mulberry trees were planted in Islamabad in the 1960s to make the capital artificially green. The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), a non-native species, was widely planted because of its fast growth and adaptability to the local climate. However, as time passed, it became a significant source of pollen allergies, particularly in the spring, causing serious health problems for residents.
