Black, oily rain falls on Tehran after strikes: What it means for Pakistan’s air, weather?

2026-03-09 - 09:23

KARACHI – The US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s oil facilities have raised the concerns about potential environmental and climatic impacts in the region, including possible effects on Pakistan. Pakistan Meteorological Department said that the attacks have caused severe environmental damage in Iran, with reports of “black acidic rain” in Tehran and surrounding areas. While Pakistan has not yet observed any direct effects, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The conflict has disrupted internet connectivity in Iran, limiting access to local meteorological data. The experts say Tehran is located in Iran’s northwest, far from Pakistan, and any immediate environmental fallout is more likely to affect Afghanistan first. However, Iran’s southern regions, near Pakistan’s Balochistan, could influence regional weather patterns over time. The Meteorological Department noted that excessive carbon emissions from the attacks may lead to higher upper-atmosphere temperatures. This, in turn, could alter humidity levels and potentially impact rainfall patterns in neighboring areas, including parts of Pakistan. Satellite monitoring is being used to track pollution levels and air quality in the region. The authorities stressed that while no immediate impact has been observed in Pakistan, the situation requires continuous monitoring, especially given the proximity of southern Iran to Pakistani provinces like Balochistan and Sindh. The officials also warned that the environmental and climatic changes resulting from large-scale attacks on oil infrastructure could have longer-term implications for agriculture, water resources and public health in the region. The Pakistan Meteorological Department urged citizens and policymakers to stay updated through official channels and avoid relying on unverified reports circulating on social media. Iran set to name Ali Khamenei’s successor as smoke engulfs Tehran