Heat wave-like conditions in Visakhapatnam as temperatures soar

Visakhapatnam has been suffering from a heat wave for the past few days, with temperatures in the city soaring over 36 degrees Celsius. Despite the arrival of the monsoon, the temperatures have been quite summer-like. The conditions have been the same all over the state, with very few places recording any rainfall. And as per the forecast, the heat wave is likely to continue hovering over Vizag for the next 24 hours. After that, the city might receive some relief in the form of rainfall.

Anandapuram, Gajuwaka and Anakapalle have been the worst hit by this heat wave, recording temperatures of over 38 degrees Celsius. But the temperatures in the other parts of Visakhapatnam are not much lower. This has broken a 42-year-old record, as per data by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). 

Due to these recent developments, it is being indicated that Visakhapatnam might witness less-than-average rainfall in the month of August. The probabilities of rainfall at Visakhapatnam, and the rest of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), in August 2021 are lower than normal. 

The El Nino conditions prevailing over the Pacific Ocean are likely to continue for a few days, causing warmer than usual temperatures in India. But La Nina, which is considered a factor in the Indian Monsoon, is showing signs of re-emergence. Hence, it is being expected that the situation might improve in the second half of August, with the rainfall compensating for the heat wave to an extent.

While the weather is predicted to be the same for the coming two days, there are thunderstorms forecasted on Wednesday, 4 August 2021, which might bring some much-needed rainfall into the city.  

Citizens are recommended to avoid going out in such weather conditions and keep themselves hydrated.