Punjab Smog November 2026: Multan Worst at AQI 492, Lahore Readings and Dry Week Ahead — Health Advisory

Smog has returned to Punjab with winter, and the latest readings show how serious the problem already is. On 7 November 2026, Multan recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 492, the worst in Pakistan that day, while Lahore and other cities also recorded unhealthy air. The Punjab Smog November 2026 AQI picture is shaped by falling temperatures, low-grade diesel fumes and smoke from seasonal agricultural burning.

Multan Records the Worst Air in Punjab

• Province-wide problem: According to ARY News, Multan recorded an AQI of 492 on 7 November 2026, the worst in the country that day, showing smog is now province-wide.

• Multan: AQI 492, the highest reading in Pakistan that day.
• Raiwind: AQI 316, well into the hazardous range.
• Rahim Yar Khan: AQI 304, the third-highest reading of the day.
• Faisalabad: AQI 287, recorded as unhealthy.
• Lahore: AQI 273, also unhealthy on the same day.

Lahore Readings: From Hazardous to Moderate

Lahore’s air varied sharply by area and time of day on 8 November 2026, with EPA monitoring stations recording very different readings on Saturday evening.

• Wagah border: AQI 500, in the hazardous category.
• Barki Road: AQI 288, in the unhealthy category.
• Punjab University: AQI 149, in the moderate category.
• GT Road: AQI 148, also in the moderate category.
• IQAir morning: Lahore recorded a US AQI of 275 on Saturday morning, ranked as unhealthy.
• IQAir later: The AQI later fell to 161, and Lahore ranked 7th among major cities worldwide.
• Evening check: Weather data for Lahore on 8 November evening showed AQI 157, unhealthy, with PM2.5 the primary pollutant, 26°C and calm wind.
• Area matters: The gap between Wagah border and Punjab University shows why residents should check readings for their own area.

Why Smog Is Getting Worse This Week

• Combined factors: Several factors are combining to push pollution up across Punjab, making the early-November smog heavy.

• Low-grade diesel: Emissions from low-grade diesel are among the main contributors.
• Agricultural burning: Smoke from seasonal agricultural burning adds to pollution as temperatures drop.
• Falling temperatures: Cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, letting smog build up.
• Dry weather: The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects predominantly dry weather, which could prolong pollution.
• No rain relief: With little rain expected, there is no natural washout of pollutants, and the weekly outlook warns of smog at isolated places in north-east and south Punjab.

What the Government Is Doing

• Government measures: The Punjab government has announced measures to control smog at its sources and clean the worst-affected areas.

• Crop-residue burning ban: A 100 per cent ban on crop-residue burning is in place, with deputy commissioners directed to act against violations.
• Chamkta Lahore campaign: The campaign is washing 100 kilometres of roads in Lahore every day to reduce dust.
• Electric road sweeper: Pakistan’s first electric road sweeper has launched on the Lahore Ring Road, with a 70-kilometre range.
• Monitoring: EPA stations across Lahore keep publishing area-wise AQI readings for the public.
• Public advice: The Punjab AQI dashboard advises residents to reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities when pollution is high.

Residents can follow official updates through the Punjab Government portal.

Health Advisory: Protecting Your Family

Smog affects everyone, but children, the elderly and people with breathing problems feel it first. The guidance below can help families reduce exposure on high-pollution days. It is general guidance, not medical advice.

• Outdoor exertion: Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor exercise on high-AQI days.
• Masks: Wear a mask outdoors during peak smog hours, especially where readings are hazardous.
• Children and elderly: Keep children and elderly family members indoors during peak smog hours.
• Windows closed: Keep windows closed in the morning, when fog and smog are usually worst.
• Local readings: Check the AQI for your own area before outdoor work, school runs or travel.
• Hydration: Drink enough water and avoid unnecessary outdoor trips on the worst days.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

Smog is likely to remain part of daily life in Punjab for now.

• Dry week ahead: Dry weather is expected to continue, and the weekly outlook warns of smog at isolated places in north-east and south Punjab.
• Morning fog: Morning fog or smog is likely in Lahore and in Narowal, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Kot Addu, Multan and Bahawalpur.
• Schools remain open: Schools are open in Punjab in November 2026, with winter timings from 8:45 AM.
• Morning hours: Worst smog is expected in the morning, so early travel needs extra care.
• Daily checks: AQI readings can change through the day, so check the latest figures first.
• No rain relief: No rain is expected soon, so pollution is likely to persist until conditions change.

Conclusion

• Serious and province-wide: Punjab’s smog problem in November 2026 is serious and province-wide.
• Worst readings: Multan’s AQI of 492 on 7 November was the worst in Pakistan that day, and Lahore’s readings ranged from hazardous at Wagah border to moderate near Punjab University.
• Stay careful: With dry weather ahead, residents should follow the health guidance and check local AQI readings.

FAQs

Which city recorded the worst AQI in Punjab on 7 November 2026?
Multan, with an AQI of 492 — the most polluted city in Pakistan that day.

What was Lahore’s AQI on 8 November 2026?
Readings varied by area. EPA stations recorded 500 at Wagah border, 288 at Barki Road, 149 at Punjab University and 148 at GT Road on Saturday evening; IQAir showed 275 in the morning and 161 later.

Are schools closed in Punjab because of smog?
No. Schools are open in Punjab in November 2026, with winter timings starting at 8:45 AM.

How long will the smog last?
Predominantly dry weather is expected, which could prolong pollution. No end date has been announced.