LAHORE, May 5: Friday was the hottest day of the current summer so far in the plains of Punjab, as almost all its cities recorded over 40 degrees Celsius temperature.
Nevertheless, Jacobabad was the hottest place in the country with a maximum temperature of 49.2 degrees C.
The maximum temperature in Lahore was 44 degrees C, making it difficult for the people to go out in the open. Frequent power breakdowns in many localities and suspension of water supply as a result added to their inconvenience.
The city’s highest ever maximum temperature was 48 degrees C that was recorded in 1959.
The last night’s minimum temperature in the city was 24.8 degrees C. Humidity on Friday morning was 28 per cent and in the evening only 7 per cent.
Chief Meteorologist Shaukat Awan said as routine, the temperature on Friday was recorded under the shade whereas the highest temperature under the sun was around 70 degrees C.
Many traffic constables regulated traffic during peak hours without umbrellas. Waiting for green signals at the crossings was particularly difficult for children returning home from schools.
The rise in the heat increased the use of airconditioners and desert coolers. It resulted in power breakdowns, making people to brave the hot weather without electricity.
Streets and parks wore a deserted look. Business declined in many markets as people preferred to remain indoors.
Doctors have advised people to cover their heads while going out in the sun and drink a lot of fluids to avoid heatstroke.
According to the Met office, the maximum temperature in Dera Ghazi Khan, Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar was 47 degrees C. It was 46 degrees C in Bahawalpur and Multan, 44 degrees C in Lahore and Sargodha, and 43 degrees C in Jhelum, Sialkot, Sahiwal and Mandi Bahauddin.
Mr Awan said there was no chance of any immediate relief from the hot weather. The heat wave was also gripping neighbouring India, Iran and Afghanistan and there was no westerly system in sight, he said.
He said people should expect a further increase in temperature that could rise to record levels by the end of this month if there was no rain during this period.
There could be early monsoon if it continues to be hot and dry but that would also start after mid-June.
Meanwhile, the local Met office has forecast a hot and dry weather all over the province with chances of dust raising winds during the next 24 hours.