Rainfall across country expected to alleviate ongoing air pollution

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) revealed that rainfall is expected across the country, helping to alleviate the persistent air pollution choking major cities across Pakistan.

Rain is expected in the twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and the surrounding regions for two days.

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Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala are also expected to be hit with slight drizzle.

Similarly,  Hafizabad, Attack, Chakwal, Jhelum, Tala Gang, Mianwali and Khushab might experience small showers on Friday (today) and Saturday.

Rain is also projected for Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan and Leh.

The forecast extends to northern Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, northern Punjab (Murree and surrounding regions), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (in Abbottabad’s vicinity, Dir and Swat).

The Met Office stated that the expected rainfall could improve air quality and alleviate air pollution wreaking havoc in major cities across Pakistan.

Residents of Lahore and Multan are choking on pollutants as air quality index (AQI) continues to worsen. Multan recorded an AQI above 1,900 while Lahore was plagued by a thick smog.

Read more: Multan authorities crack down on brick kilns amid rising air pollution

Reduction in smog is expected in Islamabad, the Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab.

The Met Office mentioned that fog may develop in the plains of Punjab following the rainfall.