Central, coastal A.P. receive season’s first spell of heavy rainfall

Many stations in central and coastal Andhra Pradesh received their first heavy spell of southwest monsoon on Wednesday night, providing relief from dry and humid conditions.

NTR district recorded widespread and very heavy rainfall during the 24 hours ending Thursday morning, while the neighbouring districts of Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla also received widespread heavy rainfall.

According to information from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), between 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday and the corresponding time period on Thursday, Chandrala in Mylavaram received 123.5 mm (considered very heavy), Kuchinapudi in Bapatla district received 119.25 mm, Vijayawada North in NTR district recorded 102 mm, Tadepalli in Guntur district (82 mm), Gudivada in Krishna district (76.25 mm), Garikipalem in Srikakulam district (72.5 mm), SRM University area in Guntur district (63.25 mm), among others.

Vehicles wade through inundated roads after heavy rain lashed Vijayawada on Thursday. Waterlogging was reported at major junctions and thoroughfares, including PNB Bus Stand area, Bandar Road, and Eluru Road.
| Photo Credit:
G.N. RAO

A few places in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, East and West Godavari, Parvathipuram Manyam, Eluru districts also received moderate rainfall, exceeding 40 mm. Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema districts saw light showers. In Rayalaseema, barring Nandyal, the other districts did not report any rain during this period.

This marks the first heavy spell of rain this season for many locations, amid rising concerns over the El Nino conditions. Weather experts had earlier pointed out that rainfall may remain normal in June and July, but the activity may weaken in August and September when the El Nino conditions are stronger. Overall, the State is likely to see below-normal rainfall this season.

Between June 1 and 11, the State recorded varying rainfall statuses. While Annamayya, Chittoor, SPSR Nellore, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Srikakulam districts recorded ‘large deficient’ rainfall, NTR, Krishna, Eluru and Bapatla districts reported ‘large excess.’

While there was not much rain in the State on Thursday until 7 p.m., the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated heavy rain for the coastal areas on June 12 (Friday) under the influence of two cyclonic circulations, one over the Bay of Bengal and another over the south coastal A.P.

Conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to extend into Alluri Sitarama Raju, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts over the next two to three days. Meanwhile, heat wave conditions are likely at isolated places in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema and hot and humid conditions in south coastal A.P..