Web Desk: Pakistan Meteorological Department has said there is no likelihood of so-called “black rain” in the country despite reports of oil-contaminated rainfall in Iran following the attacks.
Heavy bombardment of oil facilities in Tehran and other parts of Iran has triggered severe air pollution, raising environmental concerns across the region as experts warn that polluted particles could travel toward Pakistan in the coming days.
Environmental concerns intensified after recent strikes on Iranian oil installations during the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States. The bombardment reportedly triggered fires and thick smoke, significantly worsening air quality in Tehran.
Some reports from the Iranian capital described dark clouds forming over the city, while traces of oil particles were observed in rainwater, prompting fears of broader environmental fallout.
The situation has sparked debate in neighboring countries about whether polluted air masses could move across borders.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, western weather systems originating from Iran are expected to enter Pakistan within the next few days.
Meteorologists said these winds could potentially transport suspended polluted particles into parts of the country. Nonetheless, the department emphasized that the phenomenon commonly described as “black rain” is unlikely to occur in Pakistan.
As a precaution, the department has instructed its regional offices to collect rainwater samples if precipitation occurs and send them to laboratories for analysis.
Meanwhile, the weather department forecast cloudy conditions and rainfall in Islamabad and surrounding areas on Tuesday, with a possibility of hailstorms at isolated locations.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy rainfall is expected in upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan and Shangla.
Authorities also forecast strong showers in several other districts, including Mansehra and Abbottabad, while thunderstorms with rain are expected in Peshawar, Mardan and Charsadda.
Some areas may also experience hailstorms during the weather system.
In Punjab, rain and hailstorms are expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali and Jhelum.
Hill stations including Murree and the Galiyat region are also likely to see cloudy weather accompanied by rain and hail, while most other districts of the province are expected to remain largely dry.
Most areas of Sindh and Balochistan are likely to remain dry.
However, meteorologists said thunderstorms with gusty winds could occur in parts of northern Balochistan, including Zhob, Qila Abdullah and Pishin.
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