Sunday smog alert: dry weather persists across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast continued dry conditions across most parts of the country on Sunday, with cold temperatures expected in the hilly and northern regions. However, worsening air quality and persistent dry weather have prompted warnings of heavy smog in several districts of Punjab.

According to the PMD, the ongoing dry spell and rising air pollution levels are expected to contribute to thick smog in major urban and agricultural areas of Punjab, particularly Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Gujrat, Sahiwal, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur. Citizens in affected districts have been advised to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and avoid unnecessary travel during early morning and evening hours when smog tends to intensify.

Going region by region, the PMD said that in Islamabad and its surrounding areas, the weather will remain dry, with chilly mornings and nights.

Similarly, Murree, Galiyat, and adjoining hilly areas will experience cold temperatures but no significant rainfall.

Across Sindh, the weather is expected to be mostly hot and dry, with partly cloudy skies forecast for the southeastern and coastal regions, including Karachi and Thatta.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dry weather is predicted in most districts, though hilly regions will experience cold mornings and nights. Light fog may develop in Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, and Peshawar during early morning hours.

Meanwhile, Balochistan will also remain dry, with cold conditions likely in the northern parts of the province. The weather in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan is forecast to stay cold and dry.

Meteorologists warn that the lack of rainfall and increasing pollution levels are likely to keep smog conditions severe in the coming days, particularly across central and eastern Punjab. Authorities have urged residents to stay informed through official advisories and take health precautions to minimise exposure to hazardous air.