Andhra Pradesh breaks 10-year temperature record again as mercury crosses 48C

People cover themselves with scarves and cloth to protect themselves from the scorching heat in Vijayawada on Sunday. | Photo credit: GN Rao

Andhra Pradesh once again broke its 10-year record as temperatures soared to 48.3 degrees Celsius at Chityala in East Godavari district on Sunday (May 24). Two other stations — Piduguralla and Tanuku — recorded 48.1°C.

The sudden downpour on Sunday brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat to the people of Vijayawada. | Photo credit: GN Rao

This is the third time in less than a week that the state has experienced extremely high temperatures. Earlier this week, Piduguralla recorded 47.6°C on Wednesday and 48.1°C on Thursday. On Sunday, the mercury again crossed the 48°C mark at three stations, according to data collected by the AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).

According to APSDMA data, Andhra Pradesh recorded exceptionally high temperatures in 2014, 2015 and 2016, with the season’s maximum temperatures touching 49.1°C, 50.3°C and 48.6°C respectively. After 2016, temperatures in the state did not cross the 48°C mark till this week.

Thirteen districts recorded temperatures of 45°C and above on Sunday, while 174 mandals in 17 districts recorded 44°C and above. The worst affected districts were Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, NTR, Palnadu, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema and Kakinada respectively.

Among the stations that recorded temperature above 47°C were Chityala in East Godavari at 48.3°C; Tanuku in West Godavari and Piduguralla in Palnad at 48.1 °C each; Kukkunuru in Eluru district and Kunavaram in Polavaram at 47.3 °C; and Nandivada in Krishna district at 47.1°C.

According to APSDMA, the extremely hot weather is likely to continue for the next three days. Severe heat wave may prevail in 29 mandals on Monday and the number is expected to rise to 50 on Tuesday. The areas likely to be affected include Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, Polavaram, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu and Prakasam.

While some parts of the state continue to squirm under searing heat, thunderstorms and gusty winds are causing damage in other regions. Thunderstorms and strong winds left a trail of destruction in Anakapalla on Saturday and disrupted normal life in Vijayawada on Sunday evening. A thunderstorm warning was issued for Guntur, NTR, Bapatla, Krishna, Chittoor, Srikakulam and Parvathipuram Manyam districts on Sunday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures in coastal Andhra Pradesh are likely to drop gradually after May 26, while thunderstorms and light showers may continue at isolated places during the week.

Published – 24 May 2026 20:16 IST