Sunday smog warning: dry spell tightens grip on Pakistan

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that dry weather will persist across most parts of the country on Sunday, accompanied by cold temperatures in northern and hilly regions. However, the prolonged dry spell and worsening air quality have raised concerns over thick smog developing in several districts of Punjab.

According to the PMD, the combination of stagnant air and rising pollution levels is expected to cause dense smog in major urban and agricultural areas of the province, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Gujrat, Sahiwal, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur. Residents in these districts have been urged to minimize outdoor movement, wear protective masks, and avoid unnecessary travel during early morning and evening hours when smog tends to intensify.

In Islamabad and surrounding regions, the weather is likely to remain dry with cold mornings and nights, while Murree, Galiyat, and nearby hill stations will experience chilly conditions without any significant rainfall.

Across Sindh, the weather will generally stay hot and dry, with partly cloudy conditions expected in southeastern and coastal areas, including Karachi and Thatta.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forecast indicates dry weather in most districts, though hilly areas will remain cold during morning and nighttime hours. Light fog may appear in Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, and Peshawar at dawn.

Meanwhile, Balochistan is expected to stay dry, with colder weather in its northern zones. Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will also witness dry and chilly conditions.

Meteorologists have warned that the absence of rainfall and increasing pollution could lead to worsening smog across central and eastern Punjab in the coming days. Authorities have advised citizens to stay updated through official weather bulletins and take precautionary measures to reduce exposure to unhealthy air.