Published May 22, 2026 | 11:40 AM ⚊ Updated May 22, 2026 | 11:40 AM
Heatwave. (Representational/ iStock)
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh continued to reel under severe heatwave conditions for the third consecutive day, with temperatures crossing 48°C in parts of the State on Thursday and two heat-related deaths reported in NTR and Krishna districts. The Meteorological Department has forecast severe heatwave conditions in several districts over the next three days.
Andhra Pradesh continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions for the third consecutive day, with two heat-related deaths reported on Thursday and temperatures soaring beyond 48°C in several parts of the State.
Fifty-year-old Darla Krishna died due to extreme heat in Jaggayyapet in NTR district, while 53-year-old Kunapareddy Ramakrishna collapsed and died while working in his agricultural field at Vanakur in Krishna district.
The Visakhapatnam Meteorological Centre forecast severe heatwave conditions over the next three days in Krishna, NTR, Palnadu, Bapatla, Markapuram, Prakasam and Nellore districts. District administrations issued advisories urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Krishna district Collector advised people to remain indoors for the next two days unless absolutely necessary. In Vijayawada, roads wore a deserted look during the daytime as residents largely stayed indoors to escape the extreme heat.
Also Read: Forecast for Southern cities on 22 May
The highest temperature in the State on Thursday was recorded at 48.1°C in Piduguralla in Palnadu district. Other hotspots included Vetapalem in Bapatla district and Nandivada in Krishna district, both recording 47.6°C. Addanki registered 47.4°C, while Allipalli in Eluru district touched 47.3°C.
More than 200 mandals across Andhra Pradesh recorded temperatures above 44°C over the last two days, underlining the severity of the ongoing heatwave. Port city Machilipatnam also experienced sweltering conditions, recording 43.3°C on Thursday.
Adding to public discomfort, several areas in Vijayawada witnessed power outages on Wednesday night and early Thursday, leaving residents without electricity amid oppressive temperatures.
Amid rising temperatures, Andhra Pradesh reported 325 suspected heatstroke cases between March 1 and May 19. Of these, 96 cases were reported since May 1, indicating a sharp rise in heat-related illnesses this month.
Visakhapatnam reported the highest number of suspected heatstroke cases at 24, followed by Kakinada with 17 cases, Vizianagaram with 13, Kadapa with 11, and Chittoor and Eluru with five cases each. Officials said most of the affected individuals were recovering.
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav directed officials to remain on high alert and ensure adequate medical preparedness for heatwave victims. Officials informed the Minister that 1.44 crore Oral Rehydration (ORR) packets had been stocked and kept ready for distribution across the State.
