Islamabad and its surrounding areas may face an extended dry spell if the anticipated rainfall does not occur today, warned the Met Department.
The dry conditions are expected to intensify smog levels, posing concerns for public health and air quality.
The Met Department has forecast rain today and tomorrow in Islamabad, along with various parts of the country today, including the Potohar region.
However, if the rain does not materialise, the weather is expected to remain predominantly dry throughout the next week.
According to the Met Office director, "Drier weather will aggravate the smog situation, further deteriorating air quality." The lack of rainfall could lead to an increase in airborne pollutants, exacerbating respiratory and visibility issues in the region.
On the other hand, the air quality in Islamabad continues to hover around hazardous levels, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 258 in the morning. This reading is 36.6% higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended guideline, according to the Met Department.
Also Read: Weather forecast: Rain alert issued for most of Punjab
The weather forecast indicates cloudy conditions with chances of rain in Islamabad and surrounding areas, which may help improve air quality.
Meanwhile, smog and fog are anticipated in multiple cities of Punjab, including Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Khanewal, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and DG Khan.
This weather pattern is likely to disrupt visibility and increase health risks in affected regions. On the other hand, cities like Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum, Gujrat, Faisalabad and Gujranwala may experience rain, while there are chances of rain at a few places in Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Layyah and DG Khan in the evening and night.
In northern Pakistan, regions such as Chitral, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Mansehra, Haripur and Abbottabad are likely to experience rain and snow in the mountains. Similar weather pattern may be experienced in Malakand, Bajaur, Mardan, Mohmand, Charsadda, Swabi, Nowshera, Peshawar, Khyber, Kohat and Kurram.
The weather is set to remain dry across most of Sindh, while northern Balochistan will see cloudy skies with a chance of rain in Quetta, Ziarat, Pishin, and surrounding districts.
