The Punjab government has on Thursday announced the closure of schools as smog has once again severely hit the provincial capital, Lahore, with Air Quality Index reaching 455.

According to the details, severe fog is prevailing in various areas of Lahore, Johar Town, Faisal Town and Wapda Town. Whereas in Gulberg, Green Town, Mall Road, Jail Road, Lakshmi Chowk and Canal Road witnesses sever smog.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Bazdar has directed all concerned departments to intensify their campaign against smog and ordered strict implementation of a ban imposed on the burning of tyres.

According to MeT dept, the smog has reduced visibility to less than 1 km, while the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 455 in Lahore.

The motorway police have instructed the drivers to reduce speed and ensure switching on fog lights to avoid mishaps, sources said.

On Thursday, widespread thunderstorm with heavy falls at a few places is expected in districts of upper Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and Islamabad, at scattered places in districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and central Punjab.

Snowfall over high mountains and hailstorm in plain areas are also expected during the period.

As winter begins, the areas of northern Punjab come under a thick layer of fog affecting the daily life and vehicular traffic.

Motorways blocked and flights delayed or cancelled due to poor visibility.

The term “smog” was first used in the early 1900s to describe a mix of smoke and fog.

Smog is created by increasing vehicular and industrial emissions and burning of coal and the remains of agriculture crops.