The smog which started out from Lahore is spreading and polluting other areas in Punjab as well.
A weather warning has been issued in Punjab where the weather is due to stay dry for the next two months. No rainfall is predicted to occur in the region during this dry spell. The smog,which decreased a bit due to winds, will also see a return in the upcoming days due to increasing cold.
Director General Pakistan Meteorology department, Ghulam Rusul said,
A series of western winds is going through northern Pakistan. With the kind of weather we’re getting right now we don’t expect any rainfall within the next two months.
According to the meteorology department, the weather will remain cold and dry for the next 48 hours in most of Pakistan. Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, Rawalpindi division, Northern FATA, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir may expect rainfall or snow in the mountainous regions.
Plain areas in Punjab have a chance of getting fog in the morning as well. When asked whether the dry spell in the upcoming months in Punjab would result in another smog causing situation, Chief Meterologist, Muhammad Riaz replied,
There is a possibility because these are favorable conditions with the temperature low and no rainfall. Fog will develop which may turn into a smog if the conditions are right.
He reiterated that northern Pakistan may see a bit of rainfall or snow here and there but most of the plain area and southern Pakistan would remain dry and would not see rainfall for the next couple of months.
Over the next two months, dry weather might cause diseases specially those related to the respiratory tract (chest problems, cough etc). The smog in Lahore and other surrounding cities also contributes towards these diseases. This kind of weather is also very dangerous for Asthma patients. They should head out with a piece of cloth covering the bottom half of their face to avoid breathing it in directly.
Those who suffer from dry skin problems will also see their condition aggravated in the next two months. They are obviously recommended to keep their skin moisturized to avoid this problem.
Children and elders are the most likely candidates of getting infected with these diseases. People who are already suffering from another disease like diabetes are also more likely to get affected as their immune system is weaker. Maintaining cleanliness and a good hygiene is recommended.
