Heavy Rain Predicted in Punjab Amidst Worsening Smog Conditions

Punjab, Pakistan is bracing for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the coming days, providing a temporary respite from the smog that has gripped the region, particularly in Lahore, which has been declared the world's most polluted city with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 790.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted that rain will cover a wide range of areas including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Faisalabad from November 14 to 16, easing smog in the region. Thunderstorms may also occur in Bhakkar, Layyah, and Dera Ghazi Khan on November 15. This much-needed rain is expected to provide relief from the severe pollution particles in the air, which have made breathing extremely difficult for the residents.

The provincial authorities have been cracking down on violations of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aiming to mitigate the hazardous effects of smog. In Lahore, the district administration has taken action against 75 violators, sealing 75 shops, a marriage hall, and 14 restaurants for violating the orders to close early and ban outdoor dining. Officials have attributed the smog to polluted eastern winds blowing from India, further exacerbating the situation.

Rain is predicted across Pakistan for the next three days, with westerly winds moving into the country. The Meteorological Department has forecasted rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, with snowfall expected in the mountainous regions. The plains of Punjab, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as Balochistan, will also experience rain. Strong winds, thunderstorms, and partly cloudy weather are expected over the next 24 hours in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Punjab.

The Province Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has advised citizens to use masks to protect against smog and avoid unnecessary travel. As the rain brings temporary respite, officials urge citizens to stay indoors and take protective measures until the smog dissipates. This is a critical moment for authorities to implement effective measures to mitigate pollution, which has long plagued the region, and bring Lahore back to the drawing board to shift the paradigm of environmental sustainability.