Mercury tops 40°C again in Vizag and Anakapalli, Vechalam hottest at 43.89°C

Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts saw intense heatwave conditions on Friday (June 5, 2026), with temperatures crossing the 40 degrees Celsius mark for the second time this season. The mercury climbed to its highest so far this year, bringing severe discomfort to residents across the region.

According to data from the State government’s automated weather stations, Anakapalli district recorded some of the highest temperatures in Andhra Pradesh. Vechalam in Devarapalli recorded 43.89 degrees Celsius, followed by Makavarapalem at 43.74 degrees Celsius, Bhalighattam in the Narsipatnam region at 43.36 degrees Celsius and Devarapalli at 42.84 degrees Celsius.

Several other places in Anakapalli district also faced extreme heat, with temperatures between 41 and 42 degrees Celsius. They included Madugula, Chodavaram, Cheedikada, Kannuripalem (Kasimkota) and Pamulavaka (Kotlavuratla). Other places, including Seethayyapeta (Butchayyapeta), Pedaboddepalli and K. Kotapadu, recorded more than 40 degrees Celsius. Temperatures hovered around 39 to 40 degrees Celsius at many places.

In Visakhapatnam district, Padmanabham was the hottest place, recording 41.62 degrees Celsius around 1 p.m. Akkireddipalem in Pendurthi followed closely at 41.51 degrees Celsius.

Other parts of the city also reported high temperatures. Anandapuram recorded 39.09 degrees Celsius, while Simhachalam registered 39 degrees Celsius. Gajuwaka recorded 38.88 degrees Celsius, followed by Maharanipeta at 37.5 degrees Celsius. Arilova reported a comparatively lower 36.8 degrees Celsius.

Apart from the soaring temperatures, residents complained of unusually high humidity, which made conditions very uncomfortable. Commuters, street vendors, traffic police personnel, office-goers and daily wage workers bore the brunt of the heat. Many residents said the humidity was noticeable as early as 9 a.m., making outdoor activity difficult through the day.

Unable to bear the scorching heat and humidity, many people stayed indoors. Water and buttermilk kiosks across the city saw a steady flow of customers.

Meanwhile, parents have begun to worry about schools reopening. Several urged the government to consider delaying the start of the academic year, noting that temperatures have stayed above 40 degrees Celsius through the past week. Some private schools are due to reopen from Monday (June 8, 2026), and parents are anxious about children travelling to and from school in the heat.