A high velocity dust storm on Monday, Tuesday night provided some relief to people from the prevailing heat wave. The mercury level dropped in the city area and other parts of Southern Punjab where at least 33 people have so far died of heat.
Most parts of this zone like Dera Ghazi Khan, Kot Mithan, Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawal Nagar, Muzaffargarh, including Multan city were in the grip of heat wave for last several days. Mercury levels touched 47 degree Celsius at a number of places. Dry weather with chances of dust storm has been predicted for the southern Punjab.
"The relief provided by dust storm will short lived as there will be sunny days after that. The suspended particles will hinder sunrays that can decrease the mercury level during daytime. In the night-time, the emission of solar radiation to the surrounding atmosphere will also be hindered.
The temperature can decrease but the heat stress will exist and the conditions will cause suffocation," said Local Meteorologist while adding that no major relief was expected in the coming three to four days. Bahawalpur remained the hottest place in the province where mercury rose as high as 47°C.
The harsh weather condition restricted people indoors. Regular electricity tripping added to the woes of people. Lesser traffic was seen on otherwise busy city roads as the people avoided unnecessary movement.