Srinagar, June 26: Kashmir continues to be in the grip of scorching heat wave, with mercury soaring up to 33.8 degree Celsius on Saturday, which is the  highest  temperature recorded in the month of June since 2008. The temperature on Sunday stood at 33.6 degree Celsius.
 According to the Meteorological Department, the highest temperature in June in 2008, 2009 and 2010 stood at 33.3, 33.4 and 32.5 degree Celsius respectively.
 A cursory look at the temperature in the past seven days reveals that mercury has remained in between 29.9 to 33.8 degree Celsius. “Since June 20 to 26, the temperature stood at 29.9, 32.4, 33.7, 31.4, 33.6, 33.8 and 33.6 degree Celsius,” a MeT official said.
 Pertinently the highest temperature recorded in the Valley so far has been 39.5 degree Celsius on July 15, 1973, the official said.
 The MeT Department is however expecting light rainfall at isolated places in Kashmir in next 48 hours.
 “We are hopeful that rainfall would occur in the plains and upper reaches of the Valley in next two days which will bring down the temperature considerably,” said the Director, Meteorological Department, Sonam Lotus.
 He said both the day and night temperature witnessed steep rise in April, May and June this year. “But the temperature is below normal in Jammu,” he said, adding, “The temperature will decrease from the first week of July.”

DON’T WORRY: EXPERTS
 Health experts say there is nothing to worry about the rise in temperature. “There are no chances of  heat-stroke and other summer related diseases in Kashmir,” said Dr M Saleem Khan, lecturer at the Government Medical College.
 But, he said, the food poising cases might increase if precautions are not taken. “Contaminants grow faster in summer,” Khan said. “People should avoid taking night food unless it is refrigerated and should drink purified or boiled water only.”
 Agricultural experts said this type of weather is favorable for the irrigated crops.
 “The rise in temperature is good for the irrigated crops like paddy but it can cause stress in the rain fed crops,” said Shafiq Ahmed Wani, Director Research at the SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir.

‘NO DECISION ON SUMMER VACATION’
 The state government is yet to take any decision on summer vacation in the educational institutions.
 “We have not decided as yet,” said the Commissioner/Secretary. School Education, Naseema Lankar.

IMD SOUNDS FLOOD ALERT IN JAMMU
 Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an alert for heavy rainfall and flood-like situation in Jammu region, especially in low lying areas during the next four days.
 It has also asked the divisional administration to take precautionary measures to meet any emergency. The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall may interrupt surface and air transport system of the state.
 “The monsoon hit Jammu on June 24, six days ahead of the expected date. This monsoon current is interacting with a feeble Western Disturbance over the state. Because of this, heavy rainfall is expected in plains of Jammu division during next two days and decrease thereafter,” said Director IMD, Sonam Lotus.
 He further said: “This weather condition may cause flood like situation besides also interrupt surface and air transport system. The administration and other concerned departments have been advised to work in close coordination to deal with any eventuality.” 
 An official spokesman said the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pawan Kotwal has accordingly instructed all Deputy Commissioners to establish flood control rooms in their districts and take precautionary measures.
 Official sources said that Jammu region witnessed 53.6 mm rainfall between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday. The maximum temperature was 27.0 degree Celsius, several notches below normal, while the minimum temperature stood at 23.6 degree Celsius.
 The Chief Scientist Agrometeorology, SKUAST Jammu Dr M K Khushu however said that Jammu has experienced over 100 mm rainfall since last evening.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 26 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 26 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST