The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of intensifying fog and smog across Punjab, upper Sindh and plain areas of KP this week, disrupting visibility and travel.
Fog to Intensify Over Punjab, Upper Sindh and KP
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh warning that fog will intensify and last longer over the plains of the country this week. According to the latest advisory, moderate to dense fog and smog are expected to continue in Punjab, upper Sindh and the plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reducing visibility and affecting routine activities.
For Wednesday, the PMD has forecast cold and dry weather for most parts of the country. However, the fog and smog layer over the central and northern plains is likely to become thicker, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when temperatures drop. Motorists, commuters and travellers using motorways and highways have been advised to remain extra cautious and allow additional time for journeys.
Region-Wise Weather and Fog Forecast
In Islamabad and surrounding areas, the PMD expects cold and dry weather to prevail throughout the day. Visibility may drop during the early morning and late night, but conditions are expected to remain better than in the denser fog zones of Punjab and Sindh.
Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cold and partly cloudy weather is likely in most districts. The department has specifically warned that moderate to dense fog may form during morning and night in Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan and nearby areas. Drivers on the Peshawar–Islamabad Motorway and other intercity routes have been urged to slow down and use fog lights where needed.
Punjab will remain cold and dry, with harsher conditions in hill stations such as Murree and Galiyat. Moderate to dense fog and smog are expected to persist in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and other districts. In many of these areas, visibility can fall sharply around dawn, disrupting school and office travel as well as flight and train schedules.
In Sindh, dry weather will continue across most districts, with cold mornings and nights. Fog is likely in Sukkur, Rohri, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Mohenjodaro and surrounding areas, particularly along river belts and low-lying zones.
Balochistan is expected to see cold and partly cloudy conditions, while Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan will remain very cold with partly cloudy skies. Although these northern areas may not face the same level of fog as the plains, the combination of low temperatures and wind chill will keep conditions harsh.
Travel, Health and Safety Advisory for Citizens
With fog and smog predicted to intensify, the PMD and local authorities have urged the public to take precautionary measures. Road users are advised to:
– Avoid unnecessary travel during peak fog hours late at night and early in the morning.
– Drive slowly, maintain safe distance from other vehicles and use fog lights instead of high beam.
– Follow instructions from motorway and highway police, and stay updated on route closures or diversions.
Health experts also warn that prolonged exposure to smog can worsen respiratory problems, particularly for children, the elderly and people with asthma or heart disease. Residents in heavily affected cities such as Lahore and Faisalabad are advised to limit outdoor activity during times of thick smog, keep windows closed when possible and use masks or air purifiers indoors if available.
Parents may need to adjust school timings for younger children, while businesses and offices are encouraged to allow flexible reporting hours where possible to reduce the risks associated with driving in near-zero visibility conditions.
Lowest Temperatures and Outlook for the Week
The PMD’s recent update shows that winter conditions have already tightened over the northern and western parts of the country. During the past 24 hours, cold and partly cloudy weather prevailed across most regions, with dense fog and smog continuing in the plains.
The lowest temperature recorded was minus five degrees Celsius in Leh. Other cold spots included Gupis, Kalat, Bagrote and Skardu, each registering minus two degrees Celsius. These readings highlight how the combination of low temperatures and trapped pollutants is contributing to persistent fog and smog layers over large parts of Pakistan.
Looking ahead, the PMD expects the pattern of cold, dry weather with widespread fog in the plains to continue over the coming days. Any change in wind patterns or the arrival of a western disturbance could help disperse smog, but until then, residents should plan for reduced visibility and continue to follow official advisories. The department has urged citizens to stay tuned to regular weather updates and alerts through official channels, especially if they are planning long-distance road trips at night or early in the morning.
