Jammu, May 31: The mercury today crossed 45 Degrees Celsius in Jammu and this is the second time in last ten years that the temperature crossed this mark in May.
 While the maximum temperature, according to the weatherman, was five notches above normal, the minimum temperature also remained four points above, at 31.2 degree Celsius. 
 The sweltering heat coupled with the impact of Bharat Bandh brought the normal life virtually to a grinding halt with deserted roads and closed markets. The people preferred to remain indoors even as the frequent power cuts added to their woes.
 “It was the hottest day of the month as the highest temperature recorded was 45 degree Celsius. The heat wave will continue with mercury hovering around 44 degrees form some more days”, said officials in the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
 The extreme heat conditions forced most of the people to stay indoors or go out with umbrellas and hats.
 “I closed my shop at 1 PM as there was hardly any customer seen in the locality due to severe heat conditions”, Ganshyam Dass, a shopkeeper in Janipur area said.
 “The heat wave will continue, but temperature is not likely to increase further as normal temperature in the month of May in Jammu rarely cross 45 degrees,” Sonam Lotus Director of India Meteorological Department (IMD) Jammu and Kashmir told Greater Kashmir. 
 He said that today’s temperature is second highest in the decade.
 About the highest ever mercury level in May in Jammu, Director IMD Jammu and Kashmir said that in year 1984 and 1988, the highest recorded temperature was 47.4 degree Celsius.
 However, he said after two days, there are chances of thunder shower in Jammu and it will provide some respite from the scorching heat wave.  
 “People should avoid direct contact with sun as increased presence of ultraviolet rays in the atmosphere can affect the human skin and cause skin irritation”, said Sonam Lotus adding that ongoing heat wave can also result in heat stroke. People should drink lot of water and use sunscreen to protect oneself from harmful ultra violet rays.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 31 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 31 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 1 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST