Dry weather to continue nationwide today, smog likely to worsen: PMD

Pakistan braces for another day of largely rain-free conditions, with cooler air gripping the northern highlands and a stubborn dry spell persisting elsewhere. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) indicates that stagnant weather and accumulating pollutants are likely to intensify smog across parts of Punjab, raising fresh concerns for air quality and public health.

Air quality alert: Smog expected to deepen in Punjab

With no meaningful precipitation to cleanse the atmosphere and light winds limiting dispersion, smog is poised to thicken in central and eastern Punjab. Urban and peri-urban districts already grappling with poor visibility and acrid air are expected to face further deterioration today. Areas on alert include:

• Lahore
• Faisalabad
• Sialkot
• Sheikhupura
• Kasur
• Okara
• Gujrat
• Sahiwal
• Multan
• Rahim Yar Khan
• Bahawalpur

Residents in these districts should minimize outdoor activity when haze peaks—typically during the early morning and evening hours—use well-fitted masks when outside, and avoid unnecessary travel in low-visibility conditions. Vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, should take additional precautions.

Regional outlook

Islamabad, Murree, and northern hills

The capital and adjoining areas are set for dry weather with crisp mornings and cooler nights. Higher-altitude locations such as Murree and Galiyat will remain cold; no significant precipitation is anticipated.

Punjab

Dry conditions prevail province-wide. Fog and smog may reduce visibility in urban corridors and along highways, particularly around dawn and dusk. Authorities and commuters should be prepared for localized travel disruptions if visibility drops.

Sindh

Most of the province will be hot and dry. Southeastern and coastal belts, including Karachi and Thatta, may see patches of cloud but no major change in conditions is expected.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Dry weather is likely across much of the province. Early-morning fog is possible in low-lying districts such as Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, and Peshawar, potentially affecting road travel before sunrise.

Balochistan

Dry weather dominates, with noticeably colder air in the northern highlands. Daytime temperatures may remain mild, but nights are set to be chilly to cold in elevated terrain.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan

Cold and dry conditions persist, consistent with seasonal patterns for late autumn in high mountain valleys and plateaus.

Why smog is building now

At this time of year, a combination of cooler nights, temperature inversions, and weak winds can trap pollutants close to the ground. Without rain to wash particulates out of the air, emissions from transport, industry, biomass burning, and domestic heating accumulate. The ongoing dry spell magnifies this effect, prolonging poor air quality episodes in major population centers.

Health and safety tips

• Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak smog hours (early morning and evening).
• Use protective masks when outdoors, especially near traffic corridors or industrial zones.
• Keep indoor air as clean as possible: reduce indoor smoke and ventilate when outdoor air improves.
• Drivers should slow down and use fog lights when visibility drops; check travel advisories before setting out.

Looking ahead

Forecasters note that, in the absence of a meaningful change in weather patterns, smog in central and eastern Punjab could intensify over the coming days. The public is encouraged to monitor official updates and follow local advisories. Simple precautionary steps—especially during low-visibility hours—can reduce exposure and improve safety until cleaner air arrives.