Jammu, May 26: Jammu's tryst with intense heat wave continued for the second consecutive day on Saturday as the maximum temperature rose to a nearly 40 degrees Celsius, one notch above normal.
 The Met department has, however, forecasted a brief respite from the scorching heat for the next two days.
 The brief spell of rain and windstorm, last night, brought some respite for the people here in the winter capital of the state today but the mercury sore as the day progress. "On Saturday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 39.2 degrees Celsius, one degree Celsius above normal. The minimum temperature was at 24 degrees, about one degree below normal. The humidity during the day was between 16 and 32 %," said a Met official.
 He said that the maximum and minimum temperature on Sunday is likely to be 37 degrees Celsius and 24 0 degrees Celsius respectively. “There is possibility of rains and thunderstorm with partly cloudy sky on Sunday and Monday”.
 The hot weather forced people to remain indoors and all major shopping centers in the city wore a deserted look.
 Officials said that increase in temperature during May is normal. "Last year, the maximum temperature for the month of the May was recorded at 42.4 degrees Celsius. In 2010, it was recorded at 45 degrees Celsius, while in 2009 it was 42.9 degrees Celsius. But a record-breaking 44.6 degrees Celsius was recorded on May 25, 2002," he said.
 "Due to the hot weather, construction work of our new house is delayed. The labourers are not turning up and most of the labourers from outside the state have returned home," said Ashish Sharma, a resident of Gandhi Nagar area.
 Due to sweltering heat, doctors say, cases of heat stroke and gastroenteritis have also gone up.
 "Heat stroke is one of the most serious heat-related illnesses. To avoid this, people should drink plenty of water. Overexposure to UV rays can also cause sunburn, tanning; premature skin ageing and a decrease in immune system response and to avoid this one can use sunscreen lotions and wear sunglasses for eyes," said a doctor.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:00 IST