Assessment of Rising Temperature Due to Climate Change. A Comparative Study of Islamabad and Lahore (2010-2022)

Abstract

This study focuses on how temperatures and precipitation are changing as the climate in Islamabad and Lahore changes. The Pakistan Meteorological Department in Islamabad provided the meteorological information for these metrics during the years 2010–2022. Graphs were created to display monthly and yearly fluctuations. The contrast between the two cities demonstrates the disparities that have developed through time as well as how the amount of precipitation and temperature are increasing. Lahore's temperature and precipitation levels are significantly impacted by smog, whereas Islamabad's temperature is rising due to increased urbanization and anthropogenic activities that contribute to global warming. The overall graphs demonstrate an increase in precipitation in Islamabad, with an average rainfall of 1313.7mm and 749.3mm of Lahore’s having a difference of 54.7%. The discrepancy is attributed to Lahore's growing population, industrialization, air pollution, and smog. The graphs of mean maximum temperature show an average temperature of 28.5°C in Islamabad and 30.3°C in Lahore with a difference of 6.1%, even though Islamabad is a planned city surrounded by greenery and present in a good geologic location. This is because of various anthropogenic and natural causes, and Islamabad's temperature is approaching that of Lahore. The average minimum temperatures of Islamabad and Lahore, which are separated by 29% on the graphs of mean minimum temperatures, are 14.1°C and 18.9°C, respectively. The increase in rainfall that makes the nights cool and breaks the scorching weather is the main cause of the temperature reduction. Rainfall has shown a positive relation and maximum temperature displays a negative relation. Each class has a different impact on the climatic variables. If the presence of one class improves the atmosphere, it might not apply to the second class as well. Despite Islamabad having less population, urbanization, and pollution than Lahore, the temperature has been rising over the past decade and is now posing a threat to the city.