Rain, hail bring relief as Lahore’s air quality improves

Rain and hail in several parts of Lahore on Saturday brought a drop in temperature and temporary relief from

Rain and hail in several parts of Lahore on Saturday brought a drop in temperature and temporary relief from air pollution, as the city ranked 13th among the world’s most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 133.

Precipitation was reported in Gajjumata, Nishtar, Chungi, Walton, Township and Harbanspura. Gulberg, DHA, Model Town and areas along Raiwind Road also experienced rain and hail.

According to the meteorological department, temperatures fell following the rainfall. Lahore’s minimum temperature was recorded at 18.5 degrees Celsius at 7pm.

The city recorded an AQI of 133 in the global air pollution ranking around 8pm. The reading placed Lahore in the category of unhealthy air for sensitive groups, including children, older people and individuals with respiratory conditions.

Dakar in Senegal topped the global ranking with an AQI of 297, followed by Kuching in Malaysia at 208 and Mumbai in India at 186.

However, a separate local air quality assessment ranked Lahore sixth among Pakistan’s most polluted cities, reporting an average AQI of 172. Monitoring stations recorded an AQI of 222 on GT Road, 211 on Ravi Road and 204 in Model Town, indicating that air pollution remained a concern despite the rainfall.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported an active weather system over Gujranwala and adjoining areas. It forecast strong winds, thunderstorms and rain in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur and nearby areas.

However, the department’s subsequent daily forecast predicted mainly dry weather across most districts of Punjab on Saturday night and Sunday. Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas were expected to experience cold conditions with partly cloudy skies.

The rainfall offered some respite from Lahore’s persistent air pollution, although monitoring data showed that several parts of the city continued to record unhealthy air quality.