The city recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 187, categorizing the air quality as unhealthy and posing potential health risks for the general public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and individuals suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses. Experts caution that continued exposure to polluted air at these levels may cause breathing discomfort, throat and eye irritation, and aggravation of existing health conditions. According to monitoring data, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was measured at 21.4 times higher than the annual guideline value recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Partly cloudy weather with improved air quality continued to prevail in the city on Tuesday, while the Meteorological Department forecast similar conditions over the next 24 hours. According to MET officials, a shallow westerly wave was affecting the south-western and central parts of the country and was expected to persist for the next 12 hours. Under these conditions, mainly dry weather is likely to prevail in most parts of the country, accompanied by cold temperatures during the morning and night hours. Tuesday’s minimum temperature was recorded in Leh, where the mercury dropped to -08°C, while Lahore’s minimum temperature remained at 14°C.
Lahore’s average AQI recorded at 187
Published on: February 18, 2026 12:49 AM