Several areas within Andhra Pradesh have registered temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, signaling the premature and intense arrival of summer. Reports from earlier this week indicate that places like Kurnool recorded 42.1°C, Anantapur 40.7°C, and Kadapa 40.2°C. The director of IMD, Amaravati, Stella S., noted that these regions in Rayalaseema have surpassed the 40°C threshold for the first time this summer, with projections of similar or higher temperatures across other parts of the state in the ensuing days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast maximum temperatures to remain 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal over Rayalaseema starting Saturday. Koyyuru mandal in the ASR district, which experienced single-digit temperatures during the recent winter, has already recorded 39.5°C. The broader forecast suggests that for March, maximum temperatures across much of the state are likely to be normal to above normal. Looking ahead to the April-May-June hot weather season, the IMD anticipates above-normal heatwave days over most parts of the southern peninsula, central India, east India, and the plains of northwest India.
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Further details paint a picture of a widespread heat challenge. On a recent Thursday, parts of Andhra Pradesh experienced the hottest day of the season, with temperatures climbing past 40°C. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued warnings that temperatures will continue their ascent in the coming weeks, with April and May predicted to bring more severe heatwaves. Advisory measures for the public include covering heads when outdoors, carrying umbrellas, and opting for light-colored, loose cotton clothing. Medical and health officials are cautioning against prolonged exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
While specific reports from Visakhapatnam airport area noted 34°C and the Waltair region recorded 31.5°C, other vicinities such as Tuni, Kadapa, and Vizag city have registered readings of 39.5°C, 39.4°C, and 37.6°C respectively. The prevailing high humidity levels in the Vizag region, even with daytime temperatures just above 32°C, have contributed to considerable discomfort.
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This regional intensification of heat mirrors a larger national trend. Large swathes of India have seen temperatures significantly above average recently. Delhi's maximum temperature, for instance, reached 34.6°C, more than three degrees above its typical mark for this time of year. Kerala's Vellanikkara recorded 39.8°C, the state's highest temperature recently. Southwestern and southeastern Rajasthan have also experienced temperatures two to three degrees above normal, with expectations of further increases. This widespread rise in mercury has prompted authorities in several states to issue heatwave guidelines.
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Background Context
The patterns observed align with broader meteorological predictions. An earlier forecast indicated that normal to below-normal maximum temperatures might be expected in certain isolated pockets. However, a concurrent projection pointed towards normal to above-normal rainfall across significant portions of northwest and central India, as well as parts of north peninsular India, and some eastern regions. The current data suggests that the heat phenomena are asserting themselves with considerable force across the southern peninsula.