Lahore swelters before monsoon
Lahore continued to experience intense heat on Saturday, with the Met Office reporting an ambient temperature of 39 degrees while the heat index reached 46°C because of high humidity.
The city remained hot and dry, with no immediate chance of rainfall.
Humidity was recorded at 37 per cent, while wind speed remained low at 2km/h, contributing to uncomfortable and oppressive conditions across the city.
The Met Office said the monsoon system is expected to enter Pakistan during the first week of July, after which regular rainfall is likely in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.
In view of the expected monsoon spell, the department has also issued an urban flooding alert for cities across Punjab and advised the authorities concerned to take precautionary measures in advance.
According to the national weather forecast issued on Friday evening, hot and dry conditions are expected to prevail across most parts of the country on Sunday, with very hot weather likely in the plains.
However, isolated rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas during the weekend.
For Punjab, the forecast said most districts are likely to remain hot and dry, although partly cloudy conditions are expected in Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot and Narowal.
Isolated rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms may occur in these areas on Sunday morning.
Over the past 24 hours, hot and dry weather persisted across most parts of the country, while isolated rain and thunderstorms were recorded in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and southern Balochistan.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded on Saturday were 46°C in Noorpur Thal and Nokundi, followed by 45°C in Sibi, Jacobabad and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Health experts advised residents to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10:00am and 3:00pm, drink plenty of water and take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif termed exemplary the measures taken in Punjab to provide relief to Ashura mourners during the intense heat.
She said in a social media message that cold water stalls had been set up across the province, rose water sprinkled along procession routes and smog guns used to spray water, providing the participants relief from the scorching weather.
Despite the sweltering heat during Muharram, police personnel remained deployed on the streets, she said, adding that the officials, including traffic personnel, had performed their duties with dedication and ensured complete security for mourners without regard for the harsh weather conditions.
She also praised sanitary workers for their service. She paid tribute to all officials who had prioritised public service in the extreme weather.