Hot, humid spell grips AP; IMD predicts 5-day heatwave alert

Visakhapatnam: Parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are reeling under hot, humid, and highly uncomfortable weather, with oppressive humidity triggering excessive sweating and dehydration. The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for five days, urging people to take precautions.Maximum temperatures are hovering between 40°C and 42°C, while relative humidity levels of 65% to 80% have made conditions particularly harsh in coastal Andhra in recent days. With humidity around 75%, the “feels-like” temperature is 3 to 4 degrees higher.The IMD on Monday issued a heatwave alert for parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh from May 20 to 24, warning of a gradual rise in day temperatures over the next few days.The medical and health department and APSDMA cautioned that soaring temperatures and high humidity pose health risks. Vulnerable groups, including those with heart ailments, diabetes and hypertension, have been advised to avoid sun exposure.The IMD forecast hot and humid weather over south coastal Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday (May 19).On Wednesday (May 20), heatwave conditions are likely at isolated places in Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore districts.Severe heatwave conditions are expected at isolated places in Kakinada, Yanam, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore districts from May 21 to 23. Heatwave conditions are also likely in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Anakapalle during the same period.On May 24, heatwave conditions are likely at isolated places in Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Nellore.Maximum temperatures in Rayalaseema are likely to range between 40°C and 43°C over the next five days.Weather officials said while conditions may be tolerable for the general public, vulnerable groups — infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and the sick — face health risks. People have been advised to avoid going outdoors during peak hours (11 am to 3 pm). Heat cramps and heat rashes are likely during this period.