Dense fog blankets Islamabad and Rawalpindi, disrupts daily commute

ISLAMABAD: In an unexpected turn of weather events, dense fog has descended upon various areas of the federal capital, causing disruptions in the daily lives of residents.

The phenomenon, which is relatively uncommon in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, is more commonly associated with cities like Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujranwala.

The thick fog made its presence felt around 11:30 PM on Monday, shrouding several localities along the Islamabad Expressway.

Areas such as Fazaia Colony, The Springs Apartment Homes, Ghauri Town, Gangal West, and Gangal East experienced reduced visibility, making commuting a challenging task for residents.

The Ayub National Park, Gulistan Colony, Shah Residency area and Chaklala Scheme area also bore the brunt of the intense fog on Monday night.

After a few hours, 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 of the federal capital.

Image of the fog situation in Islamabad as of 6:22 AM, Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi found themselves grappling with significant difficulties in navigating through the obscured roads.

The unexpected fog disrupted routine activities and heightened the risk of accidents in the affected areas.

Adding to the challenges, major motorways were forced to close due to the decreased visibility. Motorway M5 was shut down for traffic from Ghotki to Rohri, citing heavy fog as the cause.

Similarly, Motorway M1 experienced closures from Rashakai to Peshawar due to heavy smog, further complicating travel plans for commuters.

The closure of these vital transportation arteries has prompted authorities to advise caution and seek alternative routes where possible.

The unexpected weather conditions have caught many off guard, emphasising the need for drivers to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety guidelines while navigating through the foggy conditions.

As residents brace themselves for the continuation of this unusual weather phenomenon, motorway authorities are 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.

A number of citizens took to social media to share their shocked reactions, especially those who had not witnessed such a fog in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Some also shared photos depicting ‘zero visibility’ on roads and residential streets.

As of 6:20 AM, the fog has persisted stubbornly in the twin cities for more than seven hours.

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