Fog turns to smoke in Karachi as sea breeze halts

KARACHI: Fog enveloped Karachi in the early hours of Wednesday morning, as the mercury dropped beckoning the winter season in the port city.

As the fog dissipated, a layer of smoke lingered in the air, reducing visibility and increasing pollution in the metropolis. 

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), an absence of sea breeze since the past three days and relatively high humidity led to the foggy, smoky weather.

“The foggy conditions will continue for the next three days,” the PMD added.

Speaking to Geo News, Director PMD Abbas Shahid said, “The weather in the metropolis has turned [slightly chilly] due to the land temperature dropping and the fog.”

He added, “Fog is further created due to the absence of air in the atmosphere. Humidity is another factor in the creation of fog.”

“This will continue for the next two to three days," he said and clarified,  "It is fog and not smog."

The director pointed out that this condition was not the same as one that has enveloped Punjab over the last few days. Smog threatened to choke Lahore and other cities across Punjab over the past week, worsening the air quality and making breathing difficult for the residents, before rainfall finally cleared the smog yesterday. 

Islamabad and Rawalpindi received light rain again today morning, as the weather turned cold. Rain has also been forecast for Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Malakand and Hazara divisions. 

Health precautions 

Health experts have cautioned citizens against the adverse effects of foggy, smoky conditions. The public is advised to stay indoors unless going out is necessary. When going out, it is advised to cover one's face and nose in order to minimise inhaling the smoky air. 

Glasses are recommended in order to protect the eyes against smoke particles. When at home, one should wash their eyes with water thoroughly.