India Meteorological Department Amaravati has predicted a heat wave in south coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 8 and 9, with hot and humid weather likely to continue till March 11.
Four stations in the first week of March itself. Kavali, Ongole, Bapatla and Nellore. recorded around 40° Celsius on March 6 and recorded a deviation from normal of 5.5° to 6.5° Celsius. According to the IMD, one of the criteria for declaring a heat wave at a station is when the deviation from normal temperature is between 4.5° and 6.4° Celsius.
Also on March 5, Kavali and Nellore recorded 39.2° Celsius and 38.9° Celsius, respectively, 5.7° and 4.8° Celsius above normal.
However, against the forecast, temperatures dropped on Saturday, providing relief to people from the sweltering heat. A daily high of 39.4° Celsius was recorded at Kurnool, which is considered normal for the station at this time of the year.
According to the weekly forecast, the maximum temperatures in Rayalaseema may rise by 2° to 3° Celsius in the next two days. Thunderstorms are expected in north coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 9-10, after which hot conditions are likely to prevail.
It may be noted that in its summer outlook for Andhra Pradesh, the IMD has said that the state is likely to experience normal to above normal maximum and minimum temperatures from March to May. Above normal maximum temperatures are expected in central Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema in March.
Published – 07 March 2026 21:56 IST
