Artificial rain is expected in Lahore next month

LAHORE: Chief Meteorologist Chaudhry Aslam said on Tuesday that artificial rain is expected in Lahore, capital of Punjab, next month and preparations for the same are underway as the government steps up efforts to curb smog.

In conversation with Geo newsHowever, Aslam also mentioned that the artificial rain will not take place between November 28 and 29 and that the government is still considering it as an option to combat the deadly smog.

On Tuesday, the concentration of PM 2.5, or tiny fine dust particles, in the air reached 237, which is considered very harmful to health, according to Swiss-based company IQ Air. “The PM2.5 concentration in Lahore is currently 37.4 times the WHO annual air quality guideline.”

The government has taken several steps to curb smog, including closing schools, offices and markets, as the country’s second-largest city of 11 million people has repeatedly been ranked as the world’s most polluted city.

Medical professionals have asked people to wear face masks and stay at home as many complain of breathing problems. The government has also made mask-wearing mandatory for a week starting November 19.

Aslam also mentioned in his conversation that during artificial rain, a “special spray” is sprayed on clouds, resulting in a downpour that can last for 45 minutes – and sometimes longer.

“In 2001 and 2002, artificial rains also occurred in summer and winter as the authorities had sprayed on the clouds with the help of the Pakistan Army,” he added.