Hazardous smog engulfs parts of Punjab amid forecast of dry weather

LAHORE: Smog continued to blanket several parts of Punjab on Saturday, with multiple monitoring stations reporting hazardous and unhealthy air quality.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dry weather across most districts, reducing the chances of immediate relief.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported an AQI of 500 at Wagha Border by 6pm, the highest in Lahore, followed by Barki Road at 288. Other areas, including Egerton Road, Shahdara, Multan Road and Kahna Nau, recorded readings between 165 and 175.

Safari Park and DHA Phase 6 reported AQI levels of 160 and 159, respectively, while Punjab University and GT Road recorded comparatively lower readings of 149 and 148.

IQAir's monitoring platform showed Lahore's AQI at 204 by 10pm, placing the city fifth among the world's most polluted major cities. Meanwhile, the EPA's provincial rankings listed Vehari, Multan and Sahiwal among the worst-affected cities, with AQI readings of 369, 354 and 329, respectively.

The PMD forecast dry conditions across most of Punjab, with smog likely in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur and nearby areas. Lahore's maximum temperature is expected to reach 31°C.

Similar weather is expected on Sunday, with fog or smog likely at isolated locations during the morning, suggesting that poor air quality may persist.