Scattered rains cause power outages

Residents welcome respite from rising heat

LAHORE:

Intermittent rain across Lahore on Tuesday brought a welcome drop in temperatures but also exposed persistent urban management challenges, as water accumulation, power outages and traffic disruptions affected life across the city.

Showers were reported in localities including Mughalpura, Dharampura, Johar Town, Iqbal Town, Sabzazar, Model Town, Garden Town, Township and Green Town, and along major arteries such as Jail Road, Canal Road, Mall Road, Ferozepur Road, and adjoining areas.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the city's maximum temperature dropped to 24 degrees Celsius with a minimum of 16 degrees and humidity hovering around 40 per cent.

Winds blowing at approximately 13 kilometres per hour added to the cool, pleasant conditions.

Residents welcomed the change in weather, describing it as a temporary respite from rising heat.

However, the relief was tempered by disruptions caused by water accumulation in low-lying areas and increased pressure on civic infrastructure.

Several parts of the city experienced waterlogging, slowing traffic and complicating commutes, particularly during peak hours. Motorists reported hazardous driving conditions due to submerged potholes and reduced visibility during periods of heavy rainfall.

The impact extended to the power sector, where more than 100 feeders tripped amid storm, leading to outages in a number of neighbourhoods.

Officials attributed the disruption to technical faults and sudden load fluctuations in the transmission system, while restoration efforts continued despite challenges posed by ongoing rain.

In response, the district administration placed emergency services on high alert. Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) teams, along with other municipal departments, were deployed with machinery to ensure timely drainage of rainwater. Authorities instructed assistant commissioners to oversee operations in their areas to minimise inconvenience to residents.

Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution, particularly near electricity poles and exposed wiring, to prevent accidents during wet conditions.