The IMD has predicted isolated heat waves in parts of the state as the rain deficit worsens

A farmer prepares his paddy field with a tractor in the hope of rain on the outskirts of Vijayawada. The delayed southwest monsoon affected agricultural operations in Andhra Pradesh, with the state recording a 42% rainfall deficit as of 11 July. Photo credit: GN RAO

Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a sudden rise in day temperatures while rain remains elusive. The state of El Nino plays a vital role

According to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Tirupati’s Doravarisatram area recorded the day’s highest temperature at 41°C at 4:30 pm on Sunday, while several stations in the state reported over 40°C.

At 4 pm, other stations like Tanuku in West Godavari district sizzled at 40.9°C, while Throvagunta area in Ongola and Bonupalle in Tirupati district recorded 40.8°C and Tenali in Guntur district reported 40.5°C. Many places in Visakhapatnam district recorded between 35°C and 39°C, while Vijayawada and Amaravati recorded 38.9°C and 38.4°C respectively.

While there was no rain over the weekend, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati, on Monday issued a heatwave warning for several districts in the state such as Bapatla, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema, Guntur, Krishna, NTR, Palnadu and West Godavari. Heat waves and dry weather are likely in various parts of the state till July 15, the Met Department said in a release.

Deficiency percentage

According to DES, between June 1 and July 12, the state received 86.2 mm against the normal of 154 mm, representing a total deficit of 44%.

Little to no rain in the coming week will only worsen the situation as 27 out of 28 districts in AP have already reported rainfall deficiency. As of July 12, except for Anantapur district, which is reporting normal rainfall, all other districts remain dry, with Annamayya, West Godavari and Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema reports major deficient rainfall. In these districts, the deficit percentage ranges from 61% to 65%.

Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema has received only 77.1 mm so far during the southwest monsoon against the normal rainfall of 201.9 mm. West Godavari received 68.7 mm of rain against the normal of 196.6 mm during the period and Annamayya received 48.1 mm of rainfall against the normal of 118.1 mm.

Deficit rainfall in Tirupati, Chittoor, Visakhapatnam and YSR Kadapa districts is also increasing and currently stands at over 50%.

The state is likely to experience an overall sub-normal monsoon this season due to the likelihood of a very strong El Nino event this year.

Published – 12 Jul 2026 21:21 IST