Smog levels expected to rise across Punjab, warns Meteorological Department

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert warning of a sharp increase in smog levels across several parts of the country in the coming days, particularly in Punjab’s major cities, due to prevailing stable and dry weather conditions.

According to the Met Department, the current weather pattern is highly conducive to smog formation, as the lack of wind and rain allows harmful pollutants and particulate matter to accumulate in the lower atmosphere.

The department warned that smog levels in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Khanpur could rise to alarming levels in the coming days.

“Smog, a combination of smoke and fog, typically forms from November to mid-December,” the PMD said, adding that the stable atmospheric conditions are likely to lead to a further increase in its intensity.

The department cautioned that rising smog levels pose serious risks to public health and the environment, warning of a likely surge in respiratory and asthma cases as well as other pollution-related health problems.

“Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions are particularly vulnerable,” the alert noted, emphasising that poor air quality could also lead to reduced visibility and a rise in road accidents.

Authorities have advised the public to limit outdoor exposure, use face masks, and keep windows closed during early morning and late-night hours when smog concentration is highest.