LAHORE -plains of the country remained in the grip of severe heat wave on Friday with experts predicting the prevailing harsh weather conditions to persist during the next couple of days. 
Lack of rains and abundance of sunshine is causing gradual increase in the mercury level with frequent outages adding to the woes of heat stricken people. As no significant rain giving system is approaching the country, the weather is likely to remain oppressive during the next couple days.
Noorpur Thal and Bhakkar remained the hottest places in the country where mercury rose as high as 50 degree Celsius. The maximum and minimum temperature in Lahore was recorded at 47C and 30C respectively. Relative humidity in the evening was recorded 17 per cent.  According to the experts, seasonal low lies over Balochistan and central parts of the country. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect upper parts of the country from Saturday (today)..n