Deadly heat wave sweeps across Pakistan

Youths jump into a canal to cool themselves in Lahore. (AFP)

LAHORE: A severe heat wave is sweeping across parts of the country, with temperatures reaching up to 51 degrees celsius on Monday.

The scorching heat reduced traffic on roads, leaving markets deserted with people preferring to shop in the evening. People traveling on motorbikes and public transport are facing a tough time.

Punjab:

In Lahore, young boys have found a fool-proof way of beating the heat by jumping into the cool waters of the canal. Hundreds of people, frustrated with the heat and loadshedding could be witnessed sitting at the side of the canal, with their feet dipped in water.

Faisalabad saw temperatures rise up to 45 degrees celsius.

Sindh:

Hot weather gripped the city of Hyderabad as the mercury rose to 43 degrees celsius on Monday. The temperature rose to 51 degrees in the upper parts of Sindh including Sukkar and Larkana. People remained indoors during the day.

Schools in Hyderabad are observing summer vacations before time due to the scorching weather as the doctors advised the parents to keep the children indoors to prevent them from sun stroke.

Extreme Loadshedding:

Adding to the misery, people were face with more frequent power cuts as the demand for electricity also increased. Unscheduled power cuts increased along with the long hours of scheduled loadshedding across the country.

Water supply has also been affected due to the lengthy power cuts.

According to the met office, the current heat wave will continue and may increase in June until the monsoon rains begin in July.