RAWALPINDI: The Meteorological department on Sunday predicted that the daytime temperature will likely rise to 41°C on Monday and will further increase in the coming week.

According to the weather officials, the day temperature is likely to remain seven to 9°C above normal in Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, while 6°C to 8°C above normal in Sindh and Balochistan.

The Met Office said the day temperature was likely to increase in most parts of the country due to high pressure in upper atmosphere. The temperature recorded in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad at 37°C on Sunday,

Hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while severe heat wave conditions are likely to prevail in plain areas, it said.

On the other hand, blazing sun and humidity made the weather hot on Sunday in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, forcing the people to stay indoors.

Temperature has been on the higher side since the last few days and the residents of the twin cities have been finding it hard to step out of their houses, especially during afternoons.

Mostly youngsters opted to visit Rawal, Khanpur and Simli dams, Chattar Park as well as nearby water reservoirs for swimming to beat the heat. The rush over swimming pools in the twin cities was also witnessed.

Dozens of people fainted and were admitted to hospitals due to persisting spell of heat wave. However, doctors have advised the people to avoid food available on roadside stalls.

In some areas of Rawalpindi downtown, the people faced frequent power cuts.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2022