Severe heatwave conditions continued across several parts of Andhra Pradesh on Friday, though isolated thunderstorms and rainfall in some districts brought temporary relief from the intense summer temperatures.

According to data from the Cyclone Warning Centre (CWC) and the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), the highest temperature in the State was registered at Jangamaheswarapuram in Palnadu district at 45°C., Tanuku in West Godavari district followed at 44.75°C, while Torragudipadu in NTR district recorded 44.74°C.

Several other regions in coastal Andhra Pradesh and central districts reported temperatures above 42°C. Devarapalle in Anakapalli district recorded 44.66°C, Kanumole in Krishna district 43.84°C, and Piduguralla in Palnadu district 43.83°C.

Among the major urban centres monitored by the CWC, Amaravati and Gannavaram recorded 42.6°C each, with humidity levels reaching 33%. Kakinada and Tirupati registered 41.2°C each, while Tuni and Narsapuram recorded 41°C.

In north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Puligummi in Vizianagaram district recorded 42.29°C, while Akkireddipalem in Visakhapatnam district registered 37.92°C. At the Visakhapatnam airport observatory, the maximum temperature was 36°C with humidity at 68%, while Waltair recorded 36.5°C with humidity touching 79%, resulting in oppressive conditions.

Officials at the Cyclone Warning Centre said that thunderstorm activity during the previous night resulted in heavy rainfall in some areas including Anantapur, with nearly 7 cm of rain recorded at isolated locations. Ongole, Nellore, Bapatla and adjoining areas also experienced rainfall during the afternoon, leading to a noticeable fall in temperatures. Visakhapatnam too witnessed thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds late in the evening.

Meteorologists explained that intense surface heating often triggers convective thunderstorm activity during the pre-monsoon season. While rainfall brings down daytime temperatures, humidity levels rise sharply and may occasionally approach saturation levels after showers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heatwave conditions over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam till May 26, with severe heatwave conditions likely in isolated pockets till May 24. The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema between May 22 and 26. Thundersquall activity with wind speeds reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph likely in isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on May 22 and 23.

Despite intermittent rainfall activity, meteorologists said there is no indication yet of a sustained fall in temperatures across the State.