Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, May 23: While the temperature of Jammu today broken the 25 years’ old record of 45.8 degree Celsius, the intensity of ultra- violet rays has gone three times high than normal, exposing people to the risk of skin cancer and other skin related diseases through harmful radiations.
The heat waves swept across plain areas of Jammu region including Samba and Kathua districts, while the winter capital city experienced the hottest day of this season at 45.8 degree Celsius.
A Met office spokesman disclosed that the maximum temperature in the city shot at least seven notches above average to 45.8 degrees Celsius, making it the season’s hottest day so far. He disclosed that after May 1989, this highest (45.8 deg C) temperature was recorded today in Jammu.
The minimum temperature in Jammu was recorded at 26.0 degree Celsius. In Srinagar, the maximum temperature today was 32.2 deg C while minimum 14.6 degrees. In Leh, the maximum day temperature was 24.6 degree C and minimum 11.9 degree Celsius.
Weatherman predicted that there would be further increase in the temperature in the next few days. But the scorching heat wave have brought the normal life in Jammu city to a grinding halt as most of people were off the streets in the comfort of coolers and air conditioners at homes. He said the heat waves are likely to abate in Jammu only after two days and the rain and thunder storm in likely on May 26 and 27 in the region.
Chief Scientist SKAUST-Jammu associated with the Met Department, Dr M K Khushu when contacted disclosed that Jammu’s temperature has gone about 7 degree C above normal while the intensity of ultra-violet radiations has gone three- times above normal which is harmful for the living beings. Against the normal below 1 MED, these radiations have gone nearly 2.86 MED.
Replying to a question, Dr Khushu said these waves are exposing people to the risk of skin cancer, skin irritation and other like ailments. The people must avoid direct radiations especially between 12 noon to 3 pm when the intensity waves are higher. Even under such scorching heat conditions, there are maximum chances of heat stroke to the people, animals and even the birds.
He disclosed that the school going children or the labourers working in the open sun are more prone to this kind of risk. The general public should take more precautions under such heat conditions, he added.
While responding to another question, the SKUAST Scientist said this temperature has been recorded after a long span of over 25 years. He disclosed that Kathua and Samba also recorded almost same temperature today. The highest record of maximum temperature is 47.4 degree Celsius on May 31, 1988 and May 26, 1984 in Jammu.
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