Andhra Pradesh sizzles at 42ºC

Hyderabad: Mercury levels are rising by the day across the state with districts like Nandigama, Kurnool, Mahbubnagar and Tirupati recording 42ºC already.

A heat wave warning has been notified for districts including Krishna, Visakhapatnam, Prakasam and Nellore of Coastal Andhra Pradesh for the next couple of days.

On Monday, the maximum temperature in Hyderabad rose by a degree to 39ºC, whereas met officials have predicted 40ºC for Tuesday.

“Heat wave conditions prevailed in the districts of Krishna, Visakhapatnam, Prakasam and Nellore of coastal Andhra Pradesh and hot daytime conditions continue in the coastal Andhra Pradesh. Most of the districts, on an average, have recorded 40ºC,” said M. Narsimha Rao, assistant meteorologist, Meteorological Centre, Hyderabad.

Hyderabad recorded its  highest temperature of 43.9ºC last year and this year it is expected to  touch 44ºC by the end of May.

“The temperatures across a few districts in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are expected to reach 46-48ºC by the end of May, just before the onset of the south-east monsoons. Very severe heat wave conditions will prevail during this time,” he added.

The Meteorological office has predicted that mainly dry weather conditions will prevail till   April 2, over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema. The maximum and minimum temperatures in the city would be around 40ºC and 24ºC respectively.