Smog, a mixture of smoke and fog, usually forms between November and mid-December. The current stable and dry weather conditions are likely to push smog levels higher in the coming days.
Pakistan is expected to see a concerning rise in smog across major cities, driven by stable weather patterns, industrial emissions, and heavy traffic pollution. Experts warn that these conditions could worsen air quality, posing serious risks to public health and the environment.
The calm weather is causing harmful pollutants to build up in the atmosphere. Light winds, lower temperatures, and humidity are preventing these pollutants from dispersing, allowing thick layers of smog to settle over the eastern parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Khanpur.
The expected rise in smog levels could lead to an increase in respiratory and asthma cases, along with other health problems caused by air pollution. Children, the elderly, and people with existing medical conditions are especially at risk.
Poor air quality may also reduce visibility, increasing the chances of road accidents, while outdoor activities could be severely affected due to the worsening environmental conditions.