VISHAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh experienced severe heat wave conditions on Monday. Several regions turned into ovens, giving a tough time to the people, especially the elderly, children and pregnant women.
State disaster management authority quoted the weather office to say Turlapadu in Prakasam district registered the highest temperature of 46.05 degree Celsius followed by Krishna district with 45.98 degrees, Maddipadu in Prakasam 45.96, Ponnuru in Guntur district 45.84, Narasaraopeta 45.79, Eluru 45.07, Rajahmundry 45.6, East Godavari 45.03, Bapatla 45.16, Kakindada 45.12, Guntur 45.07, Konaseema 45.01, Nandyala 44.91, Vizianagaram 44.79, Duggirala 44.76, Ibrahimpatnam 44.92, Tirupati 44.31, Vijaywada 44.21, Nellore 44.18 and Mangalagiri 44.15.
Visakhapatnam and Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district registered 35 degree C each. IMD Amaravati said the relative humidity index oscillated between 60 and 70 per cent during the day-time in north coastal AP on Monday.
IMD scientist Sagili Karunasagar said heat wave prevailed across Prakasam, Bapatla, Palnadu, Guntur, Krishna, NTR, West Godavari, Konaseema and East Godavari districts and this was likely to continue on Tuesday. Though the mercury levels in Vizag city and a few other parts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh were below 40 degree C on Monday, the high humidity levels (over 70 per cent) increased the discomfort levels among the residents, he said.
Weatherman says heat waves are the periods of abnormally hot and humid weather conditions that last for days or weeks. Such conditions have become increasingly common in many states in recent years due to climate change. Their impact on human health and environment is also significant, it is pointed out.
Disaster management officials advised the people, particularly senior citizens, pregnant women, children and patients to remain indoors till the heat wave weakens.
District officials have been advised to distribute ORS packets and drinking water kiosks at vulnerable places in towns and rural areas.
