Visakhapatnam, May 17, 2023: Coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) experienced a severe heatwave on Tuesday, with scorching temperatures sweeping across the region. Jangamaheswarapuram recorded the highest temperature in the state at 45.2 degrees Celsius, closely followed by Bapatla at 45 degrees Celsius. Several other places in the state witnessed temperatures above 43 degrees Celsius.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Amaravati, isolated areas in Kakinada, West Godavari, Konaseema, Krishna, Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla, and Prakasam districts of CAP were hit by severe heatwave conditions. Heatwave conditions were also observed in isolated places in East Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Prakasam, and Nellore districts. Meanwhile, the Rayalaseema region experienced hot and uncomfortable weather conditions throughout the day.
Residents of Vizianagaram district received a slight respite from the intense heat as thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds swept through the area. Thunderstorms were also reported in a few locations along the north coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The strong winds caused a few trees to be uprooted, resulting in traffic disruptions between Vizianagaram and Gajapathinagaram. Weather experts explained that the combination of high temperatures and atmospheric instability often leads to sudden storms.
Dr. Sagili Karunasagar, a scientist at IMD-Amaravati, stated that isolated areas in Kakinada, West Godavari, East Godavari, Eluru, Konaseema, NTR, Krishna, Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore districts are likely to experience heatwave conditions on Wednesday. The Rayalaseema region is also expected to face hot, dry, and uncomfortable weather conditions on the same day.
Residents of Vijayawada expressed their distress over the relentless heatwave. N Harish, a local resident, shared his experience, stating, “At around 7 am on Tuesday, we experienced hot and dry weather conditions in Vijayawada. It is very difficult to travel on a bike during the day due to the scorching heat, and there is no respite from the heat even at night.”
In other weather-related news, the IMD has predicted a slight delay in the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala. Normally, the monsoon arrives over Kerala on June 1, with a standard deviation of about seven days. However, this year, the monsoon onset is expected to be slightly delayed. As a result, the onset of monsoon over Andhra Pradesh may also be delayed by over one week, according to meteorologists.
As the heatwave continues to impact coastal Andhra Pradesh, residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and hydrated. The local authorities are also urged to be prepared for any potential challenges posed by the delayed monsoon onset.