LAHORE – Prevailing heatwave will likely persist in Lahore and parts of Punjab on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Rain-wind/thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms will likely provide some respite from the harsh weather conditions during the weekend.

As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), continental air prevails over most parts of Pakistan. High pressure will persist in the upper atmosphere in most parts of the country particularly in southern half. A westerly wave will likely enter western parts of the country on Friday evening/night. It will likely grip upper parts on Saturday.

Under the influence of this weather system, day temperatures will likely remain 03-05°C above normal from Wednesday to Friday. Rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected in Murree, Galyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Pakpattan and Sahiwal from Friday night to Sunday.

Intermittent rains are also expected in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar on Friday and Saturday. Hailstorms are also expected at isolated places during the period. Wet conditions will likely provide relief from the prevailing heatwave during the weekend.

The farmers are advised to manage the watering of crops and wheat harvesting accordingly. General public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight. Windstorm/hailstorm and lightning may affect daily routines, standing crops, loose structures like electric poles and solar panels.

Lahore’s maximum temperatures will likely remain between 41-43°C on Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, heatwave prevailed in Lahore and parts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. Rahim Yar Khan, Khanpur and Bhakkar remained the hottest places in the province where the maximum temperature was recorded at 45°C.

In Lahore, maximum temperature was recorded at 41°C. Relative humidity during the morning was recorded at 40 per cent.