After a spell of rains last weekend, the mercury rose rapidly in Lahore. The temperature hit 42 degrees Celsius mid-week. High humidity did not help either. Then, there was the loadshedding. Bothered by it all, people (and animals) headed towards waterbodies nearest to them to cool off. The heat wave will persist well into the end of the month with temperatures peaking this week. The Met department has advised citizens to stay hydrated and avoid going outdoors unless necessary.