Fog spell likely to persist in Lahore

PMD says 40% chance of rainfall in next 48 hours

LAHORE: The dense fog in Lahore and its adjoining districts is likely to persist despite 40% chance of rain in the next 48 hours. The chance of rain by December 11 in Rawalpindi and Gujranwala divisions is much higher.

Various areas in Punjab have been enveloped by a thick cloud of fog in the past few days, suspending traffic on various roads, including motorways, due to low visibility. The fog also increased the intensity of cold weather.

Pakistan Meteorological Department’s Muhammad Riaz said the fog and dry spell in Lahore division is likely to continue for next 10 days or so in case there is no rainfall.

“Even if we do get rainfall, it will most likely be either a light drizzle or just cloudy weather,” Riaz, who heads the PMD’s Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, told The Express tribune.

The chief meteorologist said the drizzle might help clear up the smog and fog. “The way weather is building up, Lahore and its adjacent areas are likely to remain engulfed in even more heavier fog over the next 10 days,” he added.

Early morning visibility remained zero on M2 between Lahore to Pindi Bhattiyan and M3 between Rawalpindi and Faisalabad as well as the National Highway from Lahore to Pattoki.

National Highways and Motorway Police PRO Syed Imran said the authority had to temporarily close down M2 and M3 from 4am till 10am due to heavy fog. The motorway is safe for travel only between 10am and 6pm.

“People should avoid unnecessary travel at night and early morning hours and install fog lights if it is absolutely necessary to travel,” Imran added.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2016.