Rain forecast promises smog relief

However, the impact of the expected rainfall will depend on the intensity and distribution of showers, wind conditions and whether pollution continues to enter the atmosphere from vehicles, industries, kilns and other sources. Agency's real-time dashboard, Lahore recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 131 at 10am on Saturday, placing the city in the moderate category.

The reading was lower than the 163 recorded at the same hour a day earlier, indicating an improvement although pollution remained unevenly distributed across the provincial capital. The data revealed significant differences between localities with Safari Park recording an AQI of 157, followed by Shahdara and DHA Phase 6 at 155 each, while Multan Road registered 154.

These locations were classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups. In comparison, Wagah Border area recorded 93 and Egerton Road 87, in the satisfactory category. The variation raised the question whether citywide averages adequately reflect the exposure faced by residents living and working in the most polluted neighbourhoods.

The dashboard recorded a weekly peak AQI of 246 at midnight on October 4 and minimum 112 on October Saturday. "Although the latest overall figure was lower than the previous day, the elevated levels at several monitoring stations show that the improvement has not been uniform," said an EPD official.

Residents in different neighbourhoods may face substantially different conditions, making reliable monitoring, timely public advisories and targeted enforcement essential. An expert, Dr Munawar Sabir, said, "Rain in Lahore and other areas can help remove suspended particles from the atmosphere as droplets bring some pollutants to the ground.

Wind can also disperse accumulated pollution but the benefits may be short-lived if emissions continue and atmospheric conditions subsequently become unfavourable. "The PMD attributed the expected weather change to a westerly wave affecting upper and central parts of the country.

The forecast identifies Lahore among the areas where rain and thunderstorms are expected. Q challenge is that smog is not produced by weather conditions alone. Punjab's recurring pollution episodes involve a combination of transport emissions, industrial activity, brick kilns, construction dust and smoke from agricultural residue burning.

As autumn progresses towards winter, weaker atmospheric mixing and temperature inversions can also trap pollutants closer to the ground.