The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati, and A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) have issued caution for the State as many plain areas in the State, especially those in the South Coastal A.P., are likely to experience heatwave conditions from May 19 to 24.

The IMD, in a release on Monday, May 18, issued yellow (be updated) and orange (be prepared) alerts for districts in South Coastal A.P. and a few in the northern region. According to this, on May 19, hot and humid conditions are likely in the districts of Eluru, West Godavari, NTR District, Krishna, Palnadu, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore. On May 20, East Godavari and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, in addition to the above-mentioned districts, will experience hot and humid conditions.

Orange alerts have been issued for the districts of Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore on the three days of May 21, 22 and 23, while the districts of Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli, Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam may see hot and humid conditions.

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain has advised people to take proper care as temperatures in the districts where heatwaves are likely may remain between 45°C and 47°C. Especially on Wednesday and Thursday, the above-mentioned districts may experience ‘very high’ temperatures.

A heatwave in a plain area is declared when the maximum temperature in a station is more than 40°C and its departure from the normal temperature is between 4.5°C and 6.4°C. A second criteria is when the actual temperature recorded in a station exceeds 45°C.

While heat is likely to be bearable, elderly people, pregnant women, and children are advised to take care. It is advised to take precautionary measures while going outside between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, Rayalaseema is likely to be spared from extreme temperatures, as the maximum temperatures in the region are likely to be below 44°C.

According to the APSDMA, on Monday, the day’s highest temperature of 44.3°C was recorded at Kommipadu in Nellore district, which was followed by Kadapa that recorded 42.9°C.