Andhra Pradesh experiences significant rainfall, leading to a drop in temperatures and improvement in monsoon deficit

Weather stations across Andhra Pradesh reported a notable drop in maximum temperatures on July 20 and 21, following widespread rainfall across the State. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several areas received over 70 mm of rain between 8.30 a.m. on July 20 and 8.30 a.m. on July 21.

Addanki in Bapatla district, Srungavarapukota in Vizianagaram, and Vijayawada in NTR district each recorded the highest rainfall of 90 mm in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Chimakurthy and Guntur followed with 8 cm each. In Rayalaseema, areas such as Nandyal, Rajampeta, Nandikotkur, Srikalahasti, and Sullurpeta received more than 6 cm of rainfall. On Monday, heavy to very heavy rain and strong surface wind warnings remained in place. Real-time data from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics showed Narsipatnam in Anakapalli district receiving the day’s highest rainfall at 88.75 mm. Many locations in Srikakulam and Anakapalli crossed 70 mm, while Guntur, Eluru, and Kakinada saw moderate rainfall of over 60 mm.

This widespread rainfall significantly lowered daytime temperatures. Bapatla saw the steepest drop of 8.6°C. Visakhapatnam recorded the highest temperature in the State at 33.8°C, while most other areas, including those in Rayalaseema, hovered around 31–32°C. After a sluggish start in early July, the southwest monsoon has picked up momentum. The State’s rainfall deficit has improved from 37.5% on July 17 to 22.4% on July 21. From June 1 to date, Andhra Pradesh has received 157.8 mm of rain against the normal average of 203.3 mm. “If the current spell continues, the deficit could be wiped out,” said IMD Amaravati Senior Scientist S. Karunasagar. The IMD forecasts the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal by July 24. A cyclonic circulation currently lies over south Odisha and its neighbourhood, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. Under its influence, fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy showers, is expected across the State till July 25. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely. North Coastal Andhra may continue to receive rain till July 27, while other regions could see scattered rainfall.

In view of the IMD’s forecast, the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority has urged the public to remain alert over the next four days.