Unusual summer temperature spike in Rayalaseema

Summer arrived early in the southern Andhra Pradesh, where temperatures spiked dramatically during the first week of April. Chittoor, Annamayya, and Sri Sathya Sai districts all felt the heat.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local observations, several places are already recording maximum temperatures between 39C and 41.5C. In Chittoor district, Nindra, Puttur, and Palamaner have been experiencing temperatures of around 39C–41C.

Madanapalle in Annamayya district, known for its relatively mild climate, is also feeling the heat this year, with temperatures already crossing 35C, and expected to cross 37–38C in the coming days, a few degrees above what is normal for this time of the year in the region.

The situation is more difficult in the Sri Sathya Sai district. Penukonda and Puttaparthi are already seeing highs of around 40C–41C. Dharmavaram, which was relatively cooler earlier in the week, has seen a steady spike and is likely to reach similar levels in the coming days. Hindupur and Kadiri divisions are also inching towards the 40C mark.

Generally, early April temperatures in these districts range between 35C-37C. The current situation is unusually hot, pointing to an early onset of peak summer conditions. Medical and Health department officials have been put on alert as the mercury is expected to cross 42C in parts of Rayalaseema.

Normal life in many parts of the Rayalaseema is affected, especially for those who work outdoors. Construction and road workers, and daily wage labourers in Chittoor, Nagari, Piler, and Hindupur, are reported to have modified ther working hours, checking in early and out by noon, and resuming in the evening hours.

In rural pockets, farm workers in mango orchards near Bangarupalem and Chittoor and those working in groundnut fields across Sri Sathya Sai district, report reducing working hours and taking frequent breaks. “After 11 a.m., it becomes too difficult to continue,” says a 36-year-old mango garden worker Maniganda, working near Gangadhara Nellore in Chittoor district.

Medical and Health wing officials have kept a close watch on vulnerable areas in Chittoor district. Mandals such as Karveti Nagaram, Vedurukuppam, and Nindra have, in the past, reported cases of diarrhoeal illnesses during peak summer, often linked to heat conditions and issues with water quality.

On the positive side, the officials maintain that there is no immediate concern over the drinking water supply in Chittoor district, with availability remaining stable for now.