A 2024 image of Lahore city shows thick smog on a busy route. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
The metropolis has ranked among the world’s most polluted major cities, recording an air quality index (AQI) of 156 to place third behind Kuching in Malaysia and Kolkata in India.
The AQI is classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, with particulate matter PM2.5 recorded at 54 micrograms per cubic metre as the main pollutant.
The air quality remained at a level causing concern in several parts of the city, with Model Town recording an AQI of 211, Iqbal Town 190 and DHA Phase V 171. The readings in Chaman Park, Barki Road and Bedian Road stood between 165 and 160.
The city’s daily air quality forecast showed an AQI of 155 for Saturday, with the level expected to rise to 163 on Sunday.
The forecast for Monday stood at 158, Tuesday 157, Wednesday 136, Thursday 135 and Friday 148.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast mainly dry weather across Punjab on Sunday, with hot conditions likely in the plains. Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas are expected to remain dry, with partly cloudy conditions possible during the afternoon.
The weather is also expected to remain mainly dry across most parts of the country, while the plains are likely to experience hot conditions during the daytime. Partly cloudy weather is expected in northern hilly areas during the afternoon.
The synoptic situation indicates that continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, dry weather is expected in most districts, with hot conditions likely in the plains during the day and partly cloudy conditions in upper districts during the afternoon.
Sindh is expected to experience hot and dry weather, with partly cloudy conditions possible along coastal areas. Balochistan is also likely to remain hot and dry.
Dry weather is also expected over Kashmir, while Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to experience partly cloudy conditions, with isolated light rain possible during the afternoon.
Islamabad and adjoining areas are expected to remain dry, with hot conditions during the daytime.
Mainly dry and hot weather prevailed across most parts of the country during the past 24 hours.
