Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, May 31: As the heat wave continued to wreak havoc in Jammu region for the last one week, the maximum temperature in the winter capital city today reached just closer to 45 degree Celsius, giving indication that blazing Sun may go further harsh in the region during next few days.
The SKUAST-Jammu observatory located near Chatha (Airport) today recorded season’s highest temperature of 44.8 degree Celsius, which is very rare during the month of May in Jammu. On Thursday, Jammu recorded a maximum 43.8 degree C temperature while it remained 43.2 degree C on Wednesday.
The mercury is continuously showing an upward trend across Jammu region. With the blazing Sun and scorching heat during the day time in Jammu areas, the people have stopped moving out on the roads and lanes to avoid heat strike. The young children could be seen taking bath in Ranbir canal and river Tawi besides other water bodies to beat the heat and get some relief.
With the rise in Jammu’s temperature, the power crisis has also increased manifold. The increasing power curtailment/ fluctuation in many city localities and specially the rural areas, is badly affecting the normal life of general public here during these hot summer days. This has also affected normal water supply in many areas.
A MeT Department official said that today’s temperature in Jammu city was about 5.3 notches above the average normal temperate which is nearly 39.5 degree C. He disclosed that the maximum temperature in the State’s winter capital crossed 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in this season on May 9, but again dropped due to light rain and snowfall at higher reaches. However, the temperature in the City once again started to rise over the past couple of days.
The minimum temperature in Jammu today was 25.6 degree Celsius, against the previous night’s 26.1 degrees Celsius, the official said.
The weatherman has forecast clear sky in Jammu on Saturday but predicted some wind/dust storm in the evening. The windstorm may also hit some parts of region on Sunday and thereafter some respite from the scorching heat is expected.
Senior Scientist from Agro-Meteorology Department in SKAUST-Jammu, Dr Mahender Singh when contacted said that Chatha observatory in Jammu today recorded a maximum temperature of 44.8 degree Celsius. He said the temperature of Jammu is expected to touch 45 degrees C as there is no respite from heat wave up to June 2.
Dr Singh said people must avoid moving out in the open Sun during day time and if necessary, they must cover their heads. He said there are chances of heat strike and precautions are must to avoid much mishaps.
Dr Singh further said that on Saturday afternoon dust/ wind storm may hit some Jammu areas but its intensity could be more on Sunday. There will be some drop in temperature from Monday and people of Jammu will have some relief from the scorching heat, Dr Singh maintained.
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