Lucknow is waking up to a sharp winter chill, but for its residents, the cold is the least of their worries. A thick blanket of pollution, with the AQI touching a ‘poor’ level of 270, is stinging eyes and irritating throats, making every deep breath a struggle. This deteriorating air quality, coupled with a sharp dip in night-time temperatures, has created a perfect storm for public health.

The Meteorological Department forecasts a clear day for November 18, with temperatures peaking at 29°C and dropping to a crisp 12°C by night.

Hospitals are witnessing the direct fallout. A startling 40% surge in viral fever cases has been reported over the past two weeks, with daily patient numbers jumping from 700 to nearly 1,000. Doctors note that while most cases are mild, the elderly and children are particularly vulnerable. The pollution weakens immune systems, they explain, making it easier for viruses to cause high fevers and severe sore throats.

In response, the Municipal Corporation is scrambling for solutions. Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar has ordered intensified water sprinkling, the use of anti-smog guns, and strict penalties for uncovered construction material. The aim is to control the dust that is compounding the city’s health crisis, as Lucknow residents hope for clearer skies and healthier days ahead.