Andhra Pradesh broke its 10-year record once again as temperatures soared to 48.3°C at Chityala in East Godavari district on Sunday (May 24). Two more stations — Piduguralla and Tanuku — recorded 48.1°C.

This is the third time in less than a week that the State has witnessed extremely high temperatures. Earlier this week, Piduguralla recorded 47.6°C on Wednesday, followed by 48.1°C on Thursday. On Sunday again, the mercury crossed the 48°C mark at three stations, according to data compiled by the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).

According to APSDMA data, Andhra Pradesh had recorded exceptionally high temperatures in 2014, 2015 and 2016, with the season’s highest temperatures touching 49.1°C, 50.3°C and 48.6°C respectively. After 2016, temperatures in the State had not crossed the 48°C mark until this week.

Thirteen districts recorded temperatures of 45°C and above on Sunday, while 174 mandals across 17 districts registered 44°C and above. The worst-hit districts were Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, NTR, Palnadu, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada, in that order.

Among the stations that recorded above 47°C were Chityala in East Godavari with 48.3°C; Tanuku in West Godavari and Piduguralla in Palnadu with 48.1°C each; Kukkunuru in Eluru district and Kunavaram in Polavaram with 47.3°C; and Nandivada in Krishna district with 47.1°C.

According to APSDMA, extremely hot weather conditions are likely to continue for the next three days. Severe heatwave conditions may prevail in 29 mandals on Monday, and the number is expected to rise to 50 on Tuesday. The districts likely to be affected include Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, Polavaram, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu and Prakasam.

Even as some parts of the State continue to reel under blistering heat, thunderstorms and gusty winds have been causing damage in other regions. After leaving a trail of destruction in Anakapalle on Saturday, thunderstorms and strong winds disrupted normal life in Vijayawada on Sunday evening. Thunderstorm alerts were issued for Guntur, NTR, Bapatla, Krishna, Chittoor, Srikakulam and Parvathipuram Manyam districts on Sunday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures in coastal Andhra Pradesh are likely to decrease gradually after May 26, while thunderstorms and light showers may continue at isolated places during the week.