LAHORE - Most parts of the country including the City received no pre-monsoon rains this year due to the prolonged existence of westerly wave that did not allow the monsoon currents to set in and influence the region. The region normally receives pre-monsoon rains from June 15-30. Prolonged existence of westerly wave has not allowed the easterly wave to set in, resulting into no pre-monsoon rains this year, said meteorological expert Shaukat Ali Awan, adding, the normal monsoon starts in the beginning of July. Meanwhile, most parts of the country including the City remained in the grip of severe heat wave on Wednesday with experts predicting the harsh weather conditions to persist during the next 3-4 days as no significant rain giving system is approaching. The absence of pre-monsoon rains and unusual wind direction has already caused increase in the human discomfort level throughout the country especially in plains. The experts, however, believe that persistent dryness and heat wave can cause blowing of dust raising winds in plains that can provide short-lived respite to the people. Development of warm and moist air mass due to persistent dryness and east-southeasterly wind has caused increase in human discomfort index. The slight cloud cover did not allow the heat radiation to escape in the upper atmosphere. The clouds as such did not allow the temperature to fall that increased discomfort during nighttime, Shaukat Ali Awan said. On Wednesday, maximum and minimum temperature in the City was recorded 43 degree Celsius and 28 C respectively. Relative humidity in the morning was recorded 20 per cent, which decreased to 8 per cent in the evening. Unannounced loadshedding and frequent electricity tripping added to the woes and miseries of the Lahorites. The Lahore canal as usual attracted a large number of people including women and children. Despite ban on taking a bath in the Lahore Canal, not only youths but also elderly people were seen beating the heat by taking a dip in the canal water. According to the experts, Tuesdays shallow trough of westerly wave over north of the country has moved away eastwards. Weak seasonal low lies over northeast Balochistan and adjoining areas. The well marked low-pressure area over Saurashtra and Kutch (India) and adjoining areas continue to persist. Local meteorological department has forecast hot and dry weather for the City during the next 24 hours. Met office has forecast mainly dry weather for most parts of the country during the next 24 hours. However, scattered rains are expected over southeastern Sindh.