AGRA: There has been a record 72% dip in pre-monsoon rainfall in Agra in the month of June this year. From June 1 to July 1, only 16.3 mm of rainfall was recorded as against the expected 58.4 mm, according to the meteorological department. During the same period, Agra experienced the highest average temperature in six years.
On Friday, Agra was the hottest district in UP. The mercury touched 42.5 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 28.4 degrees, two degrees above normal. However, a light shower for a few minutes in the evening brought some relief.
With high humidity and the mercury level breaching the 40-degrees mark, patients are queuing up at the out-patient departments (OPD) of government medical centres with complaints of diarrhoea, vomiting and heat stroke.
Chief medical officer RC Pandey said, “The number of patents has increased on an average by 10% across the district this month. A majority of the patients are suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea and heatstroke. Children account for the maximum number of heat –related cases. OPDs at the government centres are efficiently addressing the situation.”
CMO said the best way to avoid illness under the current weather conditions is to drink plenty of water, maintain high standards of cleanliness and consume simple and fresh food items in limited proportions. He suggested eating plenty of fruits. In case of diarrhoea, oral rehydration salts (ORS) should be consumed, he added.
According to the weatherman, there is a possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers from July 4 onwards. With a partly cloudy sky, a slight dip in temperature is likely.
