Bay of Bengal Low-Pressure System Likely to Bring Andhra Pradesh Respite from Heat

Andhra Pradesh, reeling under intense heat with day temperatures crossing 42 degrees Celsius in several places, is likely to get relief this weekend as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

The IMD said an upper-air cyclonic circulation currently lies over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh at an altitude of about 7.6 km above mean sea level. This system is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area near north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha around September 11.

Until then, hot and humid conditions are likely to persist along the coast. However, from September 12 to September 15, the state can expect light to moderate showers, with isolated heavy rainfall in north coastal districts.

According to data from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), the mercury touched 42.2 degrees Celsius on September 7 at Throvagunta in Prakasam district and Venkatagiri in Tirupati district. Pottempadu in Nellore recorded 41.8 degrees, while Karamchedu in Bapatla saw 41.7 degrees. As many as 94 stations across the state logged maximum temperatures of 40 degrees or above that day. On September 8, temperatures remained around 40 degrees, with several locations in YSR Kadapa and Nellore districts still above 37 degrees by late afternoon.

Senior IMD scientist S. Karunasagar attributed the unusual heat to the absence of rainfall activity under the influence of El Nino and unfavourable conditions for cloud formation. “This means no clouds, no moisture and hence, dry weather,” he explained.

The IMD’s monthly outlook for the state indicates that both maximum and minimum temperatures have stayed above normal over the past two days, adding to the discomfort of residents.