Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday (May 22, 2026) conducted an emergency review meeting on the severe heat wave conditions prevailing across the State, putting the officials on high alert to protect public health and safety.

With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels in several districts, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to identify regions witnessing extreme heat and continuously issue alerts and warnings for the public. He directed the authorities to declare local holidays in areas where heat intensity becomes exceptionally severe.

The officials informed Mr. Naidu that the prevailing El Niño conditions had significantly intensified the heatwave across Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Naidu ordered the officials to ensure the availability of cold drinking water, buttermilk and ORS sachets at public places and high-footfall areas.

He directed the District Collectors to hold media briefings and create awareness among the public about the precautions to avoid heat stroke and dehydration. Information and advisories should also be issues continuously through social media platforms and the press, he said.

Stressing that public safety remained the government’s top priority, the Chief Minister appealed to the public to avoid venturing outdoors during the noon. He advised senior citizens, pregnant women, children and those with health issues to stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Heat shelters

The officials said that 1,349 heat shelters and cooling centres had already been set up in urban areas. Arrangements for shade have been made at 446 traffic junctions for motorists and police personnel.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to arrange water troughs and clay pots for birds and animals.

The officials said that temperatures in the State had gone up from 45°C to 48°C over the last three days, adding that Andhra Pradesh recorded a historic high of 50.1°C during the severe El Niño year of 2015.

Mr. Naidu stressed the need to increase greenery across rural and urban areas, stating that improving groundwater levels and green cover would help reduce the long-term impact of rising temperatures.

Citing an example, he said Annamayya district recorded comparatively lower temperatures due to better greenery.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to intensify awareness campaigns and emergency preparedness measures over the next week.

Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials from municipal administration, rural development, disaster management and health departments attended the review meeting.