LAHORE: Plains of the country including Lahore remained in the grip of the severe heat wave on Monday with frequent outages and water shortage adding to the woes of heat stricken people.
Experts have predicted the prevailing heat wave to persist during the current week.
Dadu remained the hottest place in the country where mercury rose as high as 50 degree Celsius.
The maximum temperature in Bhakkar, Moenjodaro and Sibbi was recorded 49C, Larkana, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar and Jaccobabad 48C, Rohri 47C. The maximum and minimum temperature in Lahore was recorded 42C and 29C respectively.
Excessive use of air conditioners at offices and homes widened the gap between demand and supply, causing an increase in load-shedding. The additional burden on transmission system led to frequent tripping that ultimately caused water shortage by affecting the operation of Wasa tube wells. People avoided unnecessarily coming out, reducing traffic on otherwise busy roads at noon and in the afternoon.
The Lahore Canal, as usual, attracted a large number of people including women and children. Not only youth but also elderly people were seen bathing in the canal. At certain places, even women were seen beating the heat by taking a dip in the mud coloured canal water.
According to the experts, continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country.
The meteorological department has forecast mainly hot and dry weather for most parts of the country including Lahore during the current week. However, gusty winds are expected in upper parts of Punjab. Rain-thunderstorm with gusty winds is expected at few places in Kashmir and its adjoining hilly areas.