Lahore Artificial Rain May Come as Smog Worsens
Lahore artificial rain could arrive soon, as Punjab authorities consider cloud seeding over the city while a rain-bearing system approaches, in what would be the first artificial rain of this smog season.
The plan is to use weather modification technology to bring temporary relief from the worsening smog. According to sources, seeding could be carried out early on Friday morning if atmospheric conditions stay suitable, with the timing linked to moisture in the clouds and other favourable conditions.
However, the final decision, the agencies that would take part and the targeted locations had still not been confirmed by Friday evening.
Lahore artificial rain: first suitable window of the season
Officials who took part in earlier artificial rain operations in Lahore held meetings with representatives of all climate change departments and experts, where a strategy for cloud seeding was discussed.
An official said suitable weather for cloud seeding has emerged for the first time in the current smog season, and the authorities are likely to attempt the season’s first artificial rain experiment. All the technology needed for the operation is available, the official added.
Temperature is a key factor in cloud seeding. Earlier artificial rain operations in Lahore were carried out in daylight, but the temperature of the rain-bearing clouds needs to be below freezing for suitable conditions to develop.
Why the city needs rain
Lahore’s air has been deteriorating through the smog season. On Friday, the city’s air quality index stood at 136, classed as unhealthy for sensitive groups, with fine particulate matter, PM2.5, as the main pollutant. The forecast offered no natural rain, with a 0 per cent chance of showers on Friday and Saturday.
The province has been fighting the smog on several fronts. Lahore has fined 11,871 smoke-emitting vehicles in the current crackdown, and the city has topped global pollution rankings more than once this season, with the index reaching 189 on one recent day. Lahore was also ranked the world’s most polluted city in October, and a Copernicus report has tracked ozone pollution adding to the burden. The Express Tribune reported the same cloud seeding plan on Friday.
Cloud seeding is not new to Punjab. In November 2024, the provincial government carried out its first cloud seeding operation, working with the Strategic Plans Division, Army Aviation and the state refiner PARCO, using locally developed technology. At least 48 flares were deployed, and the operation produced rain in Jhelum, Gujjar Khan, Chakwal and Talagang. The first experiment in Lahore itself, carried out with help from the UAE, brought light showers to several areas of the city.
A missed chance in October
The plan has also drawn criticism. Air quality experts said the Punjab government let several cloudy days in October pass without seeding, even though rain on those days could have washed the smog out of the city at least once.
Officials have pointed instead to other measures, including a fleet of water-misting anti-smog guns. Critics say no technology exists that can remove microscopic pollutants from the air at city scale without rain.
Whether this week’s window is used will depend on the clouds. If the seeding goes ahead, it would be the first time this season that Punjab has turned to artificial rain against the smog. If the conditions fail, the city will wait for the next system, while the haze stays.
Frequently asked questions
What is cloud seeding?
It is a weather modification technique in which substances are released into clouds to encourage rainfall. Punjab uses flares deployed from aircraft to seed suitable clouds.
Why is Lahore considering artificial rain now?
A rain-bearing system is approaching the city, creating the first suitable cloud seeding window of this smog season. Natural rain is not forecast for Friday or Saturday.
Has Punjab done this before?
Yes. In November 2024, the province carried out its first cloud seeding operation, producing rain in Jhelum, Gujjar Khan, Chakwal and Talagang. An earlier experiment in Lahore, with help from the UAE, brought light showers to the city.
Has a final decision been made?
No. As of Friday evening, the final decision, the participating agencies and the targeted locations had not been confirmed.
What conditions does cloud seeding need?
Moisture-bearing clouds are essential, and the temperature of the rain-bearing clouds needs to be below freezing for suitable conditions to develop.
How bad is Lahore’s air?
On Friday, the city’s air quality index stood at 136, unhealthy for sensitive groups, with PM2.5 as the main pollutant. The city has topped global pollution rankings more than once this season.
