Cold and dry weather to persist across most parts of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast mainly cold and dry weather in most parts of the country, with smog expected in several cities of Punjab.

According to the PMD, Islamabad and most districts of Balochistan are likely to remain cold and dry during the day. Similar conditions are expected in Murree, Galiyat and nearby areas.

Rain forecast for northern areas

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, light rain is expected at a few places in Chitral, Dir, Bajaur and Kurram. Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are likely to experience cold and dry conditions.

Sindh, on the other hand, is expected to remain mostly hot and dry, with no major change in weather patterns over the coming days.

Smog alert for Punjab cities

The weather department has warned of smog in Lahore, Gujranwala, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Multan, Khanewal, Sahiwal, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur. Residents of these areas have been advised to take precautionary measures, especially during early morning and evening hours when visibility may drop.

Travellers, especially those commuting from Narowal or Sialkot to Lahore, are facing significant difficulties due to poor visibility caused by a combination of fog and smog.

Lahore remains most polluted city

Lahore has once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, according to air quality rankings. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 471, indicating hazardous pollution levels.

The highest AQI reading was reported in the Session Courts area, where it reached 804. In Gulberg, the AQI was recorded at 758, while the MAO College area reported a reading of 741.