Fog Envelops AP's Agency Areas, Tirumala

VISAKHAPATNAM: Dense fog blanketed Tirumala and the agency areas of ASR and Parvathipuram Manyam districts in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, affecting road traffic and normal life.

IMD has said parts of ASR and Parvathipuram Manyam districts are likely to witness dense fog over the next three to four days, which may slow public and private transport.

Chintapalle in ASR district recorded the minimum temperature of 14.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Residents of the tribal hamlet Lambasingi, popular as Andhra Pradesh’s Kashmir in ASR district, said the fog has been enveloping them till 10 a.m. for the past one week. After 5 pm, most of the roads are wearing a deserted look due to cold weather conditions.

The lowest minimum temperature of 17.2°C has been recorded at Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district on Saturday. Weathermen predicted that light to moderate rain is likely at one or two places over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. Dry weather is likely to prevail over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Sunday.

Heavy fog also enveloped Tirumala and the route from the hill temple to Tirupati on Saturday. Along with Tirumala shrine, all seven hills and deep forest areas remained immersed in fog.  

TTD authorities have alerted devotees to be cautious while driving their vehicles due to poor visibility. Devotees said it is for the first time that a huge fog has continued for many hours even during the afternoon. A devotee from Hyderabad said she is a frequent visitor to Tirumala. “The fog here resembles that of Ooty or Kodaicanal. We are enjoying the climate after our darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy,” she stated.