The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Eluru, West Godavari, East Godavari and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema districts, which are likely to experience severe heat wave conditions at isolated pockets from May 21 to May 23. The State government has placed all Urban Local Bodies on high alert and directed municipal commissioners to activate emergency preparedness measures from May 20 to May 26.

According to the seven-day district forecast issued by the IMD’s Amaravati centre on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), the heat wave spell will build across the north coastal districts and Yanam from May 20 and continue through May 26.

Visakhapatnam recorded a maximum of 34.8°C at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, the city forecast office said. Across the State, Anantapur recorded the day’s highest reading at 37.8°C, followed by Kurnool at 38°C, Nellore and Tirupathi at 37°C, and Amaravati-Gannavaram at 36°C.

In Eluru and West Godavari, the severe heat wave will set in on May 21 and persist for three days, the longest such spell forecast in the State. East Godavari and Konaseema will see one day of severe heat wave on May 22, preceded and followed by heat wave conditions.

Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli are likely to see heat wave conditions at isolated pockets from May 21 to May 25. Parvathipuram Manyam will face heat wave conditions from May 20 itself, which will continue till May 26, the longest spell forecast for any district. Srikakulam and Vizianagaram are likely to experience heat wave conditions for three days, from May 21 to May 23. Sri Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Kakinada and Yanam will also be affected.

South coastal Andhra Pradesh

NTR, Krishna, Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla and Prakasam districts have also been placed under the orange alert, severe heat wave conditions likely on May 21 and May 22. Heat wave conditions are likely for the rest of the week.

Rayalaseema

The maximum temperatures are likely to range between 40°C and 43°C over the next five days, the IMD bulletin said. No formal heat wave warning has been issued for the region.

The IMD has also forecast thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph at isolated places in the north coastal districts and Rayalaseema over the next five days. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at one or two places in most coastal districts on May 21, 22 and 23.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has advised people to remain indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the heat will be at its peak. Senior citizens, children, pregnant women, and people who have pre-existing illnesses have been asked to strictly avoid stepping outside during these hours.

Urban Local Bodies on high alert

Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, S. Suresh Kumar, has directed municipal commissioners, particularly in Central and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh districts, to activate emergency preparedness measures between May 20 and May 26 to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

Urban Local Bodies (ULB) have been asked to intensify public awareness campaigns through ward secretariats, social media, local cable networks, municipal vehicles and public announcement systems. Heat wave advisories and ward-wise alerts are to be disseminated among residents.

The government has also directed ULBs to establish drinking water facilities at bus stands, hospitals, schools, markets, labour congregation points and Anna Canteens. Temporary water kiosks, cooling shelters and tanker supply arrangements are to be prioritised, especially in vulnerable and water-scarce areas.

The directive has placed special emphasis on protecting sanitation workers, outdoor labourers, street vendors, elderly citizens and homeless persons through ward-level monitoring and coordinated health support.

Mr. Suresh Kumar has directed municipal authorities to personally oversee preparedness measures daily, and said there should be “no slackness in field-level implementation” during the forecast period.

People in need of help, or information related to the heat wave can dial 1070, 112, or 18004250101.