Karachi: The Meteorological Office has predicted dry weather in Karachi accompanied by foggy mornings and nights over the next 24 hours, as reported by karachiweather.com on Wednesday.
The minimum temperature recorded in the city is 16.5 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to range between 27 to 29 degrees Celsius, according to the weather department.
The morning humidity level in Karachi stood at 67 percent, as indicated by the Met Office. The city recorded a particulate matter reading of 199 on the air quality index, earning it the rank of the 3rd most polluted city in the world today.
Health experts had previously classified Karachi's air quality as "very unhealthy" and advised residents to use masks and limit outdoor activities, particularly during peak pollution hours.
It's noteworthy that an Air Quality Index (AQI) as high as 151-200 is considered unhealthy, while a reading between 201 to 300 is more harmful. An AQI reading exceeding 300 is deemed extremely hazardous.
Experts explained that during winter, the air becomes heavier, causing harmful particles to descend, resulting in increased pollution. This phenomenon creates a layer of polluted particles, including carbon and smoke, enveloping the region.
Factors contributing to this pollution include smoke from factories, burning of coal, garbage, oil, or tires. The impact of this pollution is prominent from the beginning to the end of the winter season.
Although southwestern winds from the sea act as a natural filter to refresh the air in Karachi, these winds tend to remain suspended during the winter months."