Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, May 29: As the mercury is continuously showing an upward trend across Jammu region, the ‘City of Temples’ recorded season’s highest temperature so far at 43.2 degree Celsius today.
With the blazing Sun during the day time in Jammu areas, there has been considerable reduction in the movement of people on the roads and lanes. The youngsters can be seen taking baths in canals, river Tawi and other water bodies to get some relief from the scorching heat.
For the last four consecutive days, there has been continuous rise in Jammu’s temperature. The increasing power curtailment in many city localities and specially the rural areas, has started affecting life of general public in the region during these hot summer days.
A Meteorological (MeT) Department official said that today’s temperature in Jammu city was about 4 notches above the average normal temperature. He disclosed that the maximum temperature in the State’s winter capital crossed 40 degree Celsius for the first time in this season on May 9, but again dropped to around 35 degree Celsius-mark in the subsequent weeks due to light snowfall in the higher reaches and rains in the plains. However, the temperature in the city again started to rise over the past couple of days.
The minimum temperature in Jammu today was 23.1 degree Celsius, 1.8 notches below the season’s normal, against the previous night’s 23.4 degree Celsius, the official said.
Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine in district Reasi, recorded a high of 38.9 degree Celsius and a low of 22.4 degree Celsius.
The weatherman has forecast clear sky in Jammu on Thursday with maximum and minimum temperatures of around 43 degree Celsius and 23 degree Celsius, respectively.
Director Meteorological Department, J&K, Sonam Lotus told the Excelsior that people of Jammu will not have any respite from the heat wave in next 4-5 days. He said ultra-violet rays have not started showing its impact in Jammu area till now, through it has high risk in Ladakh region.
Lotus said the people, specially the children must avoid visiting outside during noon and the afternoon period as the chances of heat stroke increase after temperature crosses 43 degree Celsius. The people are advised to consume lot of fluids/ water during these hot summer days in Jammu region. Lotus said there are no chances of rain during this week and the temperature may further rise in next couple of days.
Dr Mahender Singh, Senior Scientist from Agro-Meteorology Department in SKAUST-Jammu when contacted said that Chatha observatory in Jammu today recorded a maximum temperature of 43.2 degree Celsius and minimum 19.3 degree C. He said the temperature of Jammu is expected to cross 44 degree C as there is no respite from heat waves in the region in coming 4-5 days.
Dr Singh said the farmers and specially the fruit growers from Jammu areas must protect their young fruit trees and water them adequately during these intense hot days. The deep ploughing in the vacant fields where farmers had grown wheat crop is advisable these days. To avoid heat strokes, the people/ farmers are advised to cover head while moving out during noon time these days, Dr Singh suggested.
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