The city recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 147, placing it in the category of “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
At this level of pollution, individuals who are more vulnerable to poor air quality – including children, the elderly, and people suffering from respiratory or heart diseases – may experience adverse health effects and are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities.
Data further showed that the concentration of PM2.5, the most harmful type of fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, was 10.8 times higher than the annual guideline value set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Such elevated levels of PM2.5 significantly increase the risk of breathing difficulties, aggravated asthma, cardiovascular problems, and other long-term health complications.
Environmental experts warn that continued exposure to high levels of particulate pollution can have serious public health consequences. They have urged citizens, particularly those belonging to sensitive groups, to take precautionary measures such as wearing protective masks, reducing outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours, and keeping indoor environments well ventilated. Meanwhile, authorities have also been advised to implement stricter pollution control measures to improve air quality and reduce health risks for residents.
Partly cloudy yet hot weather prevailed in the city on Tuesday, while the Meteorological Department (MET) forecast similar weather conditions during the next 24 hours.
According to MET officials, a westerly wave is currently affecting the western and upper parts of the country and is likely to persist over the upper regions until March 12. The officials also warned that due to the recent situation in Iran, prevailing winds could transport polluted particles towards the western parts of Pakistan, which may further deteriorate air quality in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The MET Office predicted that cloudy weather accompanied by rain, wind and thunderstorms is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, the Potohar region and Kashmir during the forecast period. Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are also likely in some areas.
In contrast, mainly dry weather is expected to prevail in most other parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the highest temperature in the country on Tuesday was recorded in Mithi, where the mercury soared to 40°C, while the maximum temperature in Lahore was recorded at 31°C.