PESHAWAR, July 8: The much-awaited rain here on Thursday afternoon brought a pleasant change in the weather and brought down the temperature. According to the MET office here on Thursday evening , the maximum temperature recorded was 39C but after the showers in the afternoon, the mercury level fell to 24C.

The sharp drop in mercury level brought about a good change and the people felt relieved from the relentless heat waves. The MET office recorded 5mm rain in the provincial metropolis which was after a long dry spell.

The temperature had shot up to 40C and above in the metropolis in the last few weeks. Dust storms and hailstorms also hit many parts of NWFP. Local markets also came to life as many people visited the shopping malls and city roads to enjoy the good weather.

Doctors at the city's hospitals, said that lack of rain had caused many ailments among the people, specially the children, who suffered from chest infections and dry coughs. Likewise, they said that they treated several patients during the past few weeks for sunstroke.

The rainfall was also recorded in Charsadda, Kohat and Risalpur. People came out into parks, bazaars and other public spots as normally a majority of people remained indoors due to the severe heat.