Vizag gets rain relief as heat grips rest of AP

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh experienced mixed weather conditions on Thursday, with hot and humid conditions prevailing in parts of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds hit a few areas.

Strong winds accompanied by thunderstorms lashed Visakhapatnam city in the morning, bringing brief relief from the intense heat of recent days. The winds uprooted trees in parts of the city and disrupted vehicular traffic temporarily.

Despite the morning relief, sunshine and humidity returned by afternoon, making conditions uncomfortable again, residents said.

Several districts, including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR), Anakapalle, Eluru, East Godavari, Konaseema, West Godavari, Kadapa, Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu, Kakinada, Manyam and Chittoor, reported thunderstorms during the day.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati recorded the highest temperature in the state at 43.4°C. Other major readings included 42°C at Nandigama, Gannavaram, Jangamaheswarapuram and Kavali, 41.8°C at Bapatla, 41.6°C at Nellore, and 41°C at Ongole, while Tirupati recorded 40.2°C and Nandyal 40°C. Most other regions saw temperatures between 35°C and 39°C.

The IMD has forecast heatwave conditions in parts of Palnadu, Bapatla, Guntur, Krishna, NTR, West Godavari and Konaseema districts on Friday, with hot and humid weather expected in other coastal areas.

Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (50–60 kmph) are likely at isolated places across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. Hot and uncomfortable conditions are expected to persist in parts of coastal Andhra and Yanam on May 30 and 31.

Meanwhile, conditions are favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into more parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days.