Parts of Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra Pradesh are experiencing unusually high temperatures in early March, signaling an early onset of summer heat. On Thursday, daytime temperatures across several districts ranged from 36 °C to 39 °C, with Kavali in Nellore district recording 39.2 °C—the highest so far this year. Kurnool and Kadapa followed closely with 39.1 °C and 39 °C respectively, while other towns such as Nellore, Nandyal, Ongole, and Amaravati registered readings above 38 °C.
Morning mist in certain areas offered temporary relief, but afternoons have been largely hot and dry. According to a senior meteorologist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Amaravati, these elevated temperatures are expected to persist over the next three to four days, with slight cooling likely in the second week of March. Overall, March maximum temperatures are forecast to be normal to above normal in many districts, with isolated one-to-two-day heatwaves possible in Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, and Prakasam.The current heat is linked to a trough extending from Telangana to south interior Karnataka across Rayalaseema, at roughly 0.9 km above mean sea level. Dry conditions dominate coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema, while partly cloudy skies and shallow morning haze are expected in some regions. Vizag reported a maximum of 35.4 °C, approximately 1.4 °C above normal, alongside high relative humidity exceeding 80 %, intensifying the perceived heat.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to high temperatures may increase risks of dehydration and heat-related illnesses, urging residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. Public health advisories have emphasised the importance of fluid intake and caution for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children.Urban planners and local authorities note that early-season heat highlights the need for resilient urban infrastructure. Measures such as shaded public spaces, heat-resilient road materials, and urban greening can mitigate heat stress in densely populated areas. Agricultural stakeholders also face implications, as early heat can accelerate evapotranspiration in crops and strain water resources across Rayalaseema and coastal districts.While IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall for the state in March, monitoring of heatwaves and water availability is critical for local governance. Experts suggest that long-term adaptation strategies, including climate-sensitive planning for urban and rural communities, will be increasingly essential as temperature extremes advance earlier in the year.
Also Read:Chennai Faces Heatwave Conditions And Light Rain Outlook
Early Summer Heat Hits Coastal And Interior AP
