RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday warned of rising smog levels in the country mainly due to a lack of rainfall.

According to a PMD spokesman, smog is the combination of smoke and fog and is developed from November to mid-December.

Pakistan can face an alarming increase in smog levels across its major cities due to the recent dry weather conditions.

He stated that the combination of industrial pollution, vehicular emissions and conducive weather patterns may lead led to an increase of air pollution, posing threats to public health and the environment in the coming days.

He said stable weather conditions, particularly during the autumn and winter months, will be contributing to the accumulation of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere. Limited wind movement, lower temperatures and humidity can prevent pollutants from dispersing and causing thick layers of smog to linger over cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib and Faisalabad, he said.

He said the rise in smog levels may trigger an increase in respiratory illnesses, asthma cases, and other pollution-related health problems.

“Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions are at the heightened risk,” he said. He warned that poor air quality can cause reduced visibility on roads, leading to a surge in traffic accidents. Outdoor activities can also be disrupted.

About dengue alert, the spokesman stated that based on the current meteorological conditions and anticipated future seasonal outlook and trends of atmospheric variables, it was expected that dengue cases may decline in November. However, he said the next two weeks were still crucial as the prevailing atmospheric factors were favouring the environment for dengue.

PMD urged all stakeholders to take preemptive measures to address the prevailing dengue situation. National health agencies and dengue control centres are advised to stay updated on the latest information from the PMD.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2024