Pre-monsoon rains in many parts of Andhra Pradesh on Monday provided some respite to people from a sweltering heat wave even as an advisory was issued for farmers against sowing of crops for the next 10-15 days in view of the sluggish progress of monsoon.
Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds drenched several parts of Andhra Pradesh, providing relief to people reeling under heat wave conditions for last one month. Thunderstorm with gusty winds of 30-40 km per hour lashed parts of the state, bringing down the maximum temperature and raising hopes among farmers of favourable monsoon conditions.
According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Telugu states received the rains under the impact of upper air circulation in west central Bay of Bengal near north Andhra and south Odisha coast.
The IMD also said that light to moderate rain or thunder showers were very likely to occur at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Rayalaseema on Tuesday, adding, "Maximum temperature very likely to be above normal By 2 to 4 degree Celsius at isolated places over Rayalaseema."
A warning for thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds at 30 to 40 kmph was also issued for Wednesday and Thursday.
According to Skymet Weather, a private weather forecast company, coastal Andhra Pradesh saw some good pre-monsoon activity on Monday. It said the rains brought down the temperatures by about a degree or two. "Heat wave conditions have abated from the region completely for now. On the other hand, humidity saw a steep rise over the area," it said.
The rains are expected to continue for the next four-five days.
Meanwhile, Skymet also issued an advisory for farmers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh against sowing of crops for Kharif season for at least the next 10-15 days as monsoon onset is going to be mild and the progress is expected to be sluggish.
"Sowing of crops at this point of time, when the onset of monsoon is delayed and chances of good rains are less, will only push up the cost for farmers and also hamper the yield of the crop," it said.
Farmers growing maize, tur and cotton in the Telugu states were advised to delay the sowing of the crops till second week of June. The reservoir levels in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are also alarmingly low with just 5 and 10 per cent of water reserve respectively, it added.
