LAHORE: With first spell of monsoon gripping the city, it was more of humidity ratherthanrainonTuesday: the city received one millimeter of rain throughout the day, but 73 per cent humidity left the Lahorites sweat-soaked.

The meteorological officials predicted more and heavier rain during the night and early morning and said that the spell would continue for another day or sobefore ñzzling out.

`The monsoon season has formally begun and it will pound the city with heavy showers for the next two days.

The Tuesday`s spell was very light and sporadic but next spells are going to be city-wide and heavy, working as humectant to test the nerves of the city dwellers, the Met officials warn.

Slower winds, blowing at up to six knots but mostly at four knots, did not help the city either neither cleared its air quality nor provided any relief from mugginess.

The air quality index (AQI), according to some organisations monitoring it, was still 169 unhealthy level. Though it fluctuated during the day, yet stayed at unsafe level. Lahore also maintained its distinction of the most polluted city, with Faisalabad at 119 and Peshawar 113.

`It means that the city pollutants are stronger than the Mother Nature`s capacity to clean it. Rain, albeit light, was there on Tuesday and wind, though slow but was still blowing. It, however, could not turn the city breathable, especially with some kind of sensitivity and ailment. Some individual spots like Maratab Ali Road and Anarkali were over 200 mark.

Meanwhile, Punjab Disaster Management Authority Director General Faisal Farid has said that according to the meteorological department, monsoon winds have been blowing in most parts of the country from July 5 till July 7 morning.

Rain is expected across Punjab. Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot are at risk of Hooding due to heavy rains.

Thereis arisk ofnoodingin the local streams of the city.