The air quality in Lahore has deteriorated sharply, with real-time data from IQAir showing a U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) of 312 and PM2.5 concentrations around 231 µg/m³ as of early Monday morning.

The hazardous reading places Lahore firmly in the “hazardous” category, a level where the entire population is at risk of serious health effects. The thick grey haze has cut visibility across the city, with many residents reporting irritated eyes, sore throats, and difficulty breathing.

Environmental experts attribute the spike in pollution to a combination of factors: low wind speeds, cooler atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants near ground level, emissions from vehicles and industry, and the seasonal ‍burning of crop residue in surrounding agricultural regions. Earlier reports indicated that Lahore had recorded an AQI of 412 — one of the world’s worst — just a day prior.

In response, the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and provincial authorities have issued warnings advising residents to limit outdoor activities, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Masks rated N95/KN95 and indoor air purifiers are strongly recommended for those who must venture outside.

To combat the worsening smog, the government has expanded anti-smog measures, including increased monitoring of industrial emissions, enforcement of bans on open burning, and deployment of “anti-smog guns” in key urban hotspots.

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While temporary improvement in weather conditions could bring some relief, experts caution that without sustained action on emissions control and crop-burning, the smog crisis is likely to deepen as winter sets in. The city remains on high alert as thousands of residents brace for what could be a prolonged period of poor air quality.