Heat spell turns Andhra Pradesh's coolest region into a cauldron of sweat

VISAKHAPATNAM:

Chintapalle

and Lammasingi in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district are reeling under severe

heat

conditions for the last few days with mercury crossing 38 degrees Celsius. The tribal-dominated ASR district, which is known for its natural beauty, forests and mountains, usually remain cool even during the peak of summer, with day-time

temperatures

rarely crossing 34-35°C during summers.

This summer has been different. Even nearby areas like Paderu, Araku valley, G Madugula, Pedabayalu, and Ananthagiri mandals in the district have virtually turned into a cauldron. Locals say they have never experienced such hot conditions before.
IMD says heatwave spell to continue till May 7
Chintapalle, one of the towns in the district, recorded 38°C on May 3, 38.4°C on April 18, 37°C on April 29, and 37.8°C on April 30.

"The heat has been unbearable for the last few days. You hardly see anyone on the streets during the day. It's difficult to go out even after 5 pm. This is perhaps the first time we have experienced such hot conditions," said Surya Kumar, a Chintapalle resident. The roads in all major towns of ASR district wear a deserted look during the afternoon hours with most people preferring to stay indoors. "Even the evening breeze is so hot. We are hoping the

rains will come early and provide us some respite," said Killo Ramana, a second year polytechnic student and a native of Araku valley.
Sixty-year-old Leela M, a native of Pedabayalu, said earlier rains used to cool down temperatures after two-three hot days. "This year it has been unbearable. We used to see showers at least twice or thrice a week during summer which would make the

weather

pleasant. I have spent my whole life here, but this heat is something we are experiencing for the first time," said Leela.
Elsewhere, Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra Pradesh continued to reel under heatwave conditions. Four places in the state recorded temperatures over 45 degrees Celsius on Friday. While it was 46.3°C at Nandyal (highest in the country on Friday), it was 46.2°C at Kadapa, 45.9°C at Kurnool, 45.2°C at Jangamaheswarapuram, and 44.4°C at Anantapur. Most parts of the state recorded mercury levels between 38°C and 43°C.
The IMD said the heatwave spell in Rayalaseema and

coastal

regions will continue till May 5 and abate thereafter. It also forecast rains and thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty winds at isolated places in Rayalaseema on May 7.