Met dept warns of more heatwave days this year

Visakhapatnam: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above normal maximum temperatures and extended heatwave episodes in most parts of Andhra Pradesh between April and June this year. During these summer months, above normal temperatures are likely over parts of coastal as well as Rayalaseema districts in the state. Mryutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of IMD, stated that above-normal heatwave days are likely in more than 14 states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.S Karuna Sagar, scientist at IMD-Amaravati, told TOI that in April, maximum temperatures are forecast to be higher than usual across most of the state. Rayalaseema region is expected to see up to four heatwave days while coastal AP is expected to see one to two heatwave days in April. Parts of AP may experience normal to above normal rainfall (pre-monsoon showers) in April, he added.It is recalled that the state had recorded 27 heat wave days in 2024. While April reported 16 days of heatwaves, May recorded 11 days. With that, the state had experienced the highest number of heatwave days in south India in 2024. Moreover, in 2023, AP had recorded 21 heatwave days and as per the IMD, AP had experienced the highest number of heatwave days in south India in 2023.According to AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), three deaths due to heat/sun stroke were reported in AP in 2023, whereas no death was reported due to sun stroke in 2024.With rising temperatures, demand for electricity is expected to grow by up to 10 percent this summer as the soaring temperatures and high humidity levels in coastal AP and hot weather conditions in Rayalaseema region will push the demand for air conditioning.As Andhra Pradesh gears up for the hotter-than-usual summer, the authorities are urging preparedness to mitigate the effects of extreme heat on public health infrastructure.