Lahore AQI expected to worsen as weather intensifies across Pakistan

WEB DESK: Lahore is bracing for another day of heavy pollution, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning that fog and light wind conditions are likely to push Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) from around 200 to nearly 275 after 2 PM on Wednesday.

Officials noted that a modest improvement may be felt later in the afternoon as temperatures rise, helping some pollutants disperse.

Punjab Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the government’s anti-smog drive is in full force. AI-assisted surveillance, drone monitoring and industrial inspections are being conducted across the city, while environmental teams continue to penalise smoke-emitting vehicles. She added that daily operations against waste burning, which include dozens of challans and field checks, are also underway in all major zones.

She said that these measures, backed by modern technology and stricter policies, have accelerated efforts to stabilise Lahore’s atmosphere. A zero-tolerance policy against illegal industrial emissions is being implemented with no concessions for violators. All departments concerned remain on high alert to ensure compliance, the minister added.

NATIONWIDE WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY

The PMD forecasts cold and dry weather across most of Pakistan, with severe cold expected in hilly areas during the morning and night. Smog will persist in several plains of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while light to moderate fog is likely in various regions around dawn and late evening. Haze may be observed in parts of Islamabad, the Potohar region, Kashmir and KP.

Going region by region, cold and dry conditions will prevail in the federal capital Islamabad and adjoining areas, with morning fog expected at a few locations.

Most districts in Punjab will experience cold and dry weather, while Murree, Galiyat and surrounding high-altitude zones will see very cold conditions, particularly at night. Smog is likely in Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Multan, Khanewal, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur and nearby areas. Light to moderate fog is expected in the morning and night, with haze likely in parts of the Potohar region.

In Sindh, dry weather is expected across most districts, with cold mornings and nights in several areas.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will remain cold and dry overall, with very cold temperatures in mountainous regions. Light to moderate fog is forecast in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, DI Khan and nearby areas during the morning and night. Some plains may experience patches of haze.

Most districts in Balochistan will see cold and dry conditions, with severe cold predicted in northern parts during early morning and night.

Cold, partly cloudy weather is expected in Kashmir, with severe cold in the morning and night. Fog may form at a few locations in the early hours. Likewise, cold and partly cloudy conditions will dominate Gilgit-Baltistan, with significant morning and night chill.