JKDMA warns about possibility of forest fires in next 7 days
Srinagar: Srinagar witnessed the hottest day of the season so far with the mercury touching 32.2 degrees Celsius.
According to the details, the heat wave conditions intensified in Kashmir as all the stations recorded the hottest day of the season today with the local Meteorological department predicting a continuation of hot and dry weather conditions in days ahead.
In Srinagar, the mercury settled at 32.2 degree Celsius, which was the hottest day in the month of May in the last decade. Previously a similar temperature was recorded on May 23rd in 2013.
In Qazigund, the mercury settled at 32.6 degree Celsius while Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 27.3 degree Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury settled at 30.6 degree Celsius while in Kokernag and Gulmarg ski-resort, the mercury settled at 30.1 degree Celsius and 22.0 degree Celsius respectively.
However, in Jammu’s three stations including Jammu, Banihal and Batote, the mercury recorded a slight fall as it settled at 40.1 degree Celsius, 29.8 degree Celsius and 29.9 degree Celsius respectively.
Katra however recorded a further rise as the maximum temperature soared to 36.4 degree Celsius today while in Bhaderwah it settled at 32.6 degree Celsius.
Meanwhile, Director Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that the weather is expected to remain generally dry till May 28 while the possibility of thundershower activity at isolated places can’t be ruled out.
From May 29-31st, the weather would remain partly to generally cloudy with light rain and thunder expected at isolated places.
Overall, there will be no significant weather activity till 31st May, he said.
Meanwhile, the MeT has issued an advisory for farmers, advising them to continue farm operations.
“Heatwave over plains of Jammu & Kashmir would likely continue during the next six days. Hot and dry weather is expected over hilly districts during these days,” the advisory reads.
The MeT has also advised people to avoid heat exposure and drink a lot of fluids and water, especially vulnerable people like the elderly, infants and children.
Meanwhile, with a heat wave sweeping Jammu & Kashmir, the Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Thursday issued an alert, saying extreme fire is likely to occur over forest areas during the next seven days.
It also requested people to report any such incident on 113 for prompt response.
“Extreme forest fire risk is likely to occur over forest areas in the next 7 days. People are requested to report the incident ( if any ) on 112 for prompt response. Dial 112 for any help,” the JKDMA alert said.
Education Dept advises schools to avoid assemblies in afternoon
The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department has advised educational institutes to avoid assemblies in the afternoon to prevent heat-related illnesses.
According to the news agency KNO, the department in its guidelines to prevent heat-related illness (HRI) asked the schools to avoid assembling in the afternoon.
“Ensure adequate availability of drinking water and water breaks. Also sensitise students to cover their heads,” it suggested.
The department also directed the concerned to report any cases related to HRI, stating that education is not possible without care.
