Effect Of Climate Change On Metrological Parameters Of Heavy Snowfall Event In Murree 2022

Abstract

Climate change is altering rain patterns worldwide. Snowfall is essential for water. Car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, alternate heat methods, and carbon monoxide exposure can happen from snowstorms. Based on 13 years of data, Murree gets 62.6 inches (1,590 mm) of snow annually. Heavy snowfall starts in January and February. Murree experienced an unprecedented snowfall on January 7-8th, 2022, resulting in a devastating snowstorm. The snowstorm dumped more than four feet of snow, disturbing the entire town with heavy snow. The local authorities struggled to manage everything because of the heavy snowstorm and many tourists. The authorities struggled to evacuate stranded people but failed, and the incident resulted in the tragic loss of 22 lives. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to determine the effects of climate change on meteorological parameters such as temperature and precipitation, which may have caused the snowstorm. The results showed that there was heavy snow between 80-96 mm in some areas. After heavy snowfall, the temperature in Murree dropped below zero. More snow fell in Murree when the wind speed increased. Therefore, the climatic parameters made the snow pile up to 130 Kg/cubic meter even in lower altitudes. Excessive amounts of snow and extreme temperatures were observed. The intense winds caused a blizzard and made the area around Murree Hills even colder. This made the situation worse. Additionally, the data from 2010 to 2022 revealed variations in temperature and precipitation patterns. Inconsistent patterns in the recorded precipitation were discovered in the study. It was also discovered that monthly mean maximum temperature indices showed increasing trends from 1981 to 2022. Therefore, changes in certain climate factors can lead to snowstorms in areas where snow is common (Murree). The study also assessed the awareness level of natives and tourists in Murree which revealed that most people are aware of climate change and natural calamities, but they do not know what to do in case of emergencies, they keep waiting for government supplies, evacuation, and lack resources to deal on their own.