Winter's icy grip tightened over Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, with several areas in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district recording bone-chilling temperatures and dense fog that significantly disrupted daily life. Meteorological data confirmed that at least ten locations within the district saw minimum temperatures plunge into single digits, marking a severe cold spell for the region.
Record Low Temperatures Across ASR District
According to readings from the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) in Chintapalle, the village of G Madugula recorded the lowest temperature in the district at a frigid 4.7 degrees Celsius in the early hours of Saturday. It was closely followed by Munchingputtu at 5° Celsius and Ananthagiri at 5.8° Celsius.
Other parts of the district also experienced intense cold. Chintapalle itself recorded 6.5°C, while Paderu and Pedabayalu registered 6.7°C and 6.9°C respectively. Further readings showed Pedabayalu at 10.2°C, Chintapalli at 11.2°C, Dumbriguda at 9.1°C, and Maredumilli at 9.9° Celsius.
Cold Wave Conditions Extend Beyond ASR
The cold wave was not confined to the ASR district alone. Several other regions in Andhra Pradesh witnessed notably low temperatures. Anantapur in the Rayalaseema region recorded a minimum of 12.4°C. Other notable readings included:
- Jangamaheswarapuram (Palnadu district): 13.1°C
- Arogyavaram (Annamayya): 14°C
- Kurnool: 14.7°C
- Kalingapatnam (Srikakulam): 15°C
The remaining parts of the state experienced minimum temperatures ranging between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius.
Disruption and IMD Forecast
The combination of dense fog and sharply low temperatures disrupted normal life across the affected districts, impacting morning routines and transportation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating that the cold conditions are likely to persist.
For the next four days, minimum temperatures are expected to remain below normal by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius at isolated places over both coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema regions. This suggests that residents should prepare for continued cold and foggy weather conditions, which may further affect daily activities and require necessary precautions for health and safety.
