Andhra summer horror breaches 45 degree mark, Machilipatnam burns at 47 degree Celsius

The heat wave is expected to continue for two more days, and people have been advised to stay indoors.
Andhra summer horror breaches 45 degree mark, Machilipatnam burns at 47 degree Celsius
Andhra summer horror breaches 45 degree mark, Machilipatnam burns at 47 degree Celsius
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The temperature in several parts of Andhra Pradesh was soaring on Thursday with some places in the state witnessing weather as high as 47.3 degree Celsius.

The Times of India reported that Machilipatnam sizzled at over 47 degree Celsius, accompanied by hot winds, while Bapatla in Guntur district recorded 46.8 degree Celsius.

Meanwhile, Vijayawada witnessed a temperature of 46.6 degree Celsius, as places like Ongole, Narsapur, Nellore and Kavali remained above 45 degree Celsius, the TOI report adds.

Reports of deaths due to the heat wave also started coming in.

15 people reportedly died in Prakasam district over the past three days, even as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that the heat wave would continue.

Other reports add that the streets of Srikakulam town remained deserted during the day on Thursday, as residents decided to stay indoors, and avoid the sweltering heat.

The IMD declares an official 'heat wave', if there is a deviation of more than 5 degrees Celsius from the expected maximum temperature, and if this weather persists for two or three days.

The IMD has now stated that heat wave conditions were very likely to prevail at many places in all the districts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh and at isolated places in all the districts of Rayalaseema. 

However, it said that light to moderate rain or thundershowers could occur at isolated places over the two areas.

It also stated that the heat wave would continue on Saturday.

Speaking to TNM, Dr Nagaratna, the scientist in charge of the Weather Forecasting department at the IMD office in Hyderabad, said, "For the next 48 hours, the temperature is expected to be 4 to 7 degree Celsius higher than the maximum temperature. Guntur, Eat Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Nellore and Prakasam districts are likely to witness temperatures 2 to 5 degree Celsius above the maximum temperature."

"The main reason of the heat wave is because it is peak summer and there is a sudden change in wind direction towards the north and north western part of the country. Moisture content has come down, increasing the heat across the state," she added.

Nagaratna also said that the state would get respite only after mid-June, when monsoon rains reach the state. 

"The temperature might keep fluctuating till then. As of now, the heat wave warning is in place for two days, and people are advised to take precautions," she added.

Last month, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA)said that 460 mandals across the state's 13 districts had to be 'cautious' about the heat, while 195 mandals in the coastal districts had to be 'extremely cautious'. 

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