The historic city of Lahore has been shrouded in a thick, persistent blanket of fog, bringing daily life to a virtual standstill and severely disrupting air travel. Residents are grappling with near-zero visibility and biting cold as a harsh winter spell tightens its grip on Punjab's capital.
Flight Operations Thrown into Chaos
The most immediate and widespread impact of the severe weather has been on aviation. All flight operations at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport were suspended due to the dangerously low visibility. Multiple domestic and international flights faced delays, cancellations, or were diverted to other airports, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and frustrated. Airport authorities have advised travelers to consistently check with their respective airlines for the latest flight schedules before heading to the airport.
Life Slows Down Amidst Chilling Conditions
Beyond the airport, the dense fog and cold wave have profoundly affected the rhythm of the city. Commuters faced extreme difficulties on the roads, with visibility dropping to just a few meters during the early morning and late night hours. This led to significantly slower traffic, increased risks of accidents, and major delays for those traveling to work or school. The cold temperatures compounded the misery, forcing people to bundle up and seek warmth, while the poor air quality—a mix of fog and smog—raised health concerns, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.
Weather Outlook and Official Advisories
Meteorological departments have attributed this intense fog to specific atmospheric conditions typical for this season, including clear skies, calm winds, and moisture in the lower atmosphere. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted that similar conditions of dense fog and cold weather are likely to persist over the plains of Punjab, including Lahore, for the next few days. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution while driving, use fog lights, and minimize unnecessary travel during peak fog hours. Health experts also recommend wearing masks outdoors and taking necessary precautions to guard against the cold.
The situation underscores the annual challenge faced by urban centers like Lahore during winter, where natural weather phenomena are often intensified by local environmental factors, creating a perfect storm of disruption for millions.
