Simmering Punjab braces for monsoon

Authorities halt new excavation projects in Lahore

LAHORE:

With areas across Punjab gripped by oppressive heat and humidity, weather authorities have forecast the onset of the monsoon season in the province from June 29.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms over several days, offering long-awaited respite after weeks of intense weather.

In Lahore, the temperature hovered around 37°C on Monday, with humidity levels reaching 75 per cent. Wind recorded at just 6km/h provided little relief from the stifling conditions.

While the chance of rain in the provincial capital remains low over the next two days, officials expect monsoon showers to begin late this week, particularly affecting upper and central Punjab, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, and the Pothohar region.

According to the latest weather advisory, pre-monsoon activity has already brought light to moderate showers to some parts of the province, with Lahore Airport recording 37mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Areas such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Hafizabad, and Sialkot also received scattered rainfall.

In preparation for the anticipated rains, the provincial authorities have halted all new excavation projects in Lahore and expedited monsoon readiness measures.

Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal inspected various sites, including Saggian, Shahdara, and the under-construction rainwater storage tanks near the Punjab Assembly. These tanks are intended to capture and reuse valuable rainwater, a step officials say will help address urban flooding and water management challenges.

During his site visits, Mengal expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of safety signage and public information in ongoing construction areas. He ordered the immediate installation of warning boards and reinforcement of safety protocols to protect citizens.

"The safety of lives is paramount. No new digging should occur until ongoing works are secured and completed," he stated.

Officials emphasised that the underground tanks, once operational, will serve as a key tool in conserving rainwater and reducing pressure on the drainage system. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) are coordinating with district administrations to accelerate work ahead of the rains.

However, meteorologists urged the public to adopt heat-safety precautions and minimise exposure during peak sunlight hours. Despite the imminent rains, the coming days will remain hot and humid, with maximum temperatures in cities like Bahawalpur, Multan, and Sahiwal expected to stay above 40°C.