AP caught between heatwave and thunderstorms
Andhra Pradesh is caught in a weather paradox — while large swathes of the State continue to reel under intense heat, thunderstorms and lightning are threatening several districts simultaneously, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) warned on Thursday.
APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely on Friday in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Nellore, and Chittoor districts.
“Unseasonal rains may continue for the next three days. Farmers must take necessary precautions during agricultural operations, and people should avoid taking shelter under trees during lightning activity,” Jain cautioned.
Thursday’s rainfall told the story — 37 mm in Podili (Prakasam), 22 mm in Kuntamukkala (NTR district), and 10.5 mm in Mettupalli (Nandyal district).
On the other extreme, mercury levels are pushing dangerous limits. Gudur in Nellore district recorded the season’s highest temperature at 45.8°C, followed by 45.2°C in Piduguralla (Palnadu) and 45°C in Nandanamarelli. Temperatures above 41°C were logged across 216 mandals in 20 districts, with Palnadu, YSR Kadapa, and Tirupati bearing the brunt.
Friday looks no different — severe heatwave conditions are likely in nine mandals, while 49 mandals may experience heatwave effects. Parvathipuram Manyam, Polavaram, Vizianagaram, Palnadu, NTR, and Guntur districts have been flagged as particularly vulnerable.
Officials attributed the weather turbulence to a trough extending from Karnataka to the Gulf of Mannar, and urged people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours.