South Coastal Andhra Pradesh Faces Heatwave Warnings for March 8-9

Temperatures in Kavali reached 39.2°C on March 5, which is 5.7°C higher than usual. Heatwave conditions are expected soon.
By Newsroom | Weather, India |

PREDICTIVE WARMTH ENGULFS REGION

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has flagged the possibility of heatwave conditions impacting South Coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 8 and 9. This forecast extends to hot and humid weather persisting until March 11.

This immediate prediction comes amidst recorded temperatures on March 5 reaching 39.2° Celsius in Kavali and 38.9° Celsius in Nellore, exceeding normal averages by 5.7° and 4.8° Celsius, respectively. An earlier alert on March 4 and 5 also indicated mist at isolated spots across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema, coupled with prevailing hot and humid conditions in North and South Coastal Andhra.

IMD forecasts heatwave in South Coastal A.P. on March 8, 9 - 1

The expectation is for above-normal maximum temperatures in Central Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema during March, and generally for the entire state from March to May. Minimum temperatures are also projected to remain above normal in these regions, and potentially in North Coastal Andhra.

IMD forecasts heatwave in South Coastal A.P. on March 8, 9 - 2

SUMMER OUTLOOK OFFERS NO COOLING PROSPECT

The IMD's outlook for the summer period (March to May) suggests the state is likely to experience normal to above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures.

This outlook appears consistent with observations:

  • Most of AP, including coastal and Rayalaseema regions, is expected to see above normal maximum temperatures between March and May.

  • Similar trends are predicted for most of the country, with exceptions in the southern peninsular parts and pockets of northeast India where normal to below-normal temperatures are anticipated.

  • Minimum temperatures are also forecast to be above normal in CAP and Rayalaseema regions.

  • Even the tribal areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district have reportedly seen a winter without intense cold.

PAST INSTANCES AND EMERGING ALERTS

The discourse around rising temperatures isn't entirely new. Last year, parts of Telangana regularly saw temperatures hit 40°C, with some areas reaching 45°C and Hyderabad exceeding 42°C in April. This historical context informs current projections.

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IMD forecasts heatwave in South Coastal A.P. on March 8, 9 - 3

Recently, on Friday, March 28, the highest recorded temperatures in Andhra Pradesh reached 42.6°C in Taticherla (Prakasam district) and Kamalapuram (YSR Kadapa district). In response, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) issued a heatwave alert, forecasting severe conditions in 35 mandals and general heatwave conditions in 223 mandals across the state for the following Saturday. This was accompanied by a reported temperature rise of 2.1°C to 4.0°C in some parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

IMD forecasts heatwave in South Coastal A.P. on March 8, 9 - 4

SPECIFIC ZONES UNDER SCRUTINY

MARCH SHOWS EARLY SIGNS

  • Districts like Srikakulam, Prakasam, Markapuram, Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Annamaiah, and Kadapa are specifically mentioned as likely to record above-normal temperatures in March.

  • Areas including Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Nellore, and Kurnool are flagged as potentially facing severe heatwave spells throughout the season.

While forecasts of heatwaves have been issued, it's noted that temperatures dropped on Saturday, March 7, offering temporary relief. Simultaneously, projections for Sunday, March 9, indicated light to moderate rain or thundershowers in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) & Yanam and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), while Rayalaseema was expected to remain dry.

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CONTEXTUALIZING THE FORECAST

The IMD’s initial forecast of heatwaves for March 8 and 9 contrasts with the relief experienced on March 5 and the predicted rain on March 9 for certain coastal areas. The recurring mention of "hot and humid weather" suggests a broader pattern beyond acute heatwave conditions. The scale of the predicted heatwaves, with alerts covering hundreds of mandals and severe conditions in dozens, indicates a significant meteorological event is anticipated, particularly in light of past extreme temperatures. The overall summer outlook points to a sustained period of elevated temperatures across much of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will there be a heatwave in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 8 and 9?
Yes, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of possible heatwave conditions in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 8 and 9. Hot and humid weather is expected to continue until March 11.
Q: What were the recent temperatures in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh?
On March 5, temperatures reached 39.2°C in Kavali and 38.9°C in Nellore. These were 5.7°C and 4.8°C above normal, respectively.
Q: What is the summer temperature forecast for Andhra Pradesh?
For the summer period from March to May, Andhra Pradesh is expected to experience normal to above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures. Most of the state, including coastal and Rayalaseema regions, will likely see higher than normal maximum temperatures.
Q: Which districts in Andhra Pradesh are likely to have high temperatures in March?
Districts like Srikakulam, Prakasam, Markapuram, Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Annamaiah, and Kadapa are expected to record above-normal temperatures in March. Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Nellore, and Kurnool may face severe heatwave spells.
Q: Was there any recent relief from the heat?
Yes, temperatures dropped on Saturday, March 7, providing some relief. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers were also predicted for North and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Sunday, March 9.