The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a warning for rain and falling temperatures across most districts of the province.
According to PDMA, a western weather system is expected to affect Punjab between January 16 and 19. Heavy rain and snowfall are forecast in Murree, the Galiyat, and other hilly areas from January 20 to 23, while rainfall is expected in most districts, including Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said alerts have been sent to the local government, health departments, Rescue 1122, police, and transport authorities. All relevant agencies have been directed to make precautionary arrangements in advance under the instructions of the Punjab chief minister.
Emergency control rooms have been instructed to operate 24/7, and Rescue 1122 teams have been placed on high alert. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, while tourists visiting Murree are urged to follow official guidelines.
Facilitation centres have been set up in Murree to assist visitors. Motorists are advised to drive carefully, avoid speeding, use fog lights, and maintain safe driving practices. For emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline 1129.
Dense fog has disrupted road and air travel across Punjab. National highways near Lahore, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Ahmadpur East, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Basti Malook, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sadiqabad have been affected, resulting in slowed traffic. Motorway Police advised that daytime travel is safer.
Flight operations at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport were also disrupted, causing cancellations and delays. Five international flights were cancelled, and six were delayed due to low visibility. Passengers were advised to check flight status before travelling, as fog-related delays may continue.
In Lahore, daily life has been affected by fog and cold winds. The Met Office recorded wind speeds at two kilometres per hour, with little chance of rain on Thursday. Lahore’s air quality index was 186, ranking sixth globally.
Medium to heavy fog is expected in Sialkot, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, while haze may occur in the Pothohar region during mornings.