Araku shivers at 3.8°C as temperature drops to season’s lowest

Sudden drop in temperatures in Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju district, impacting tribal hamlets and tourist attractions.

Temperatures in the Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju district suddenly dropped on Sunday night (December 15).

In the last 24 hours, the temperature in some tribal hamlets has declined by at least 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. For the first time this season, the minimum temperature has fallen below 5°C in several areas.

The cold breeze and sudden mercury dip kept the tribals from interior hamlets confined to their houses.

Araku Valley recorded 3.8°C during the wee hours of Monday, followed by G. Madugula with 4.1°C. Dalapathiguda (Araku) and Kunthalam (G. Madugula) recorded the lowest temperatures, at 4.8°C, according to the readings observed from Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) arranged by the AP State Development Planning Society (APSDPS).

Similarly, least temperatures recorded in other areas in the Agency were as follows: Dumbriguda (6°C), G.K. Veedhi (7.3°C), Masada (Hukumpeta) (7.8°C), Chintapalli (8.1°C), Munchingputtu (8.1°C), Hukumpeta (8.8°C), Pedabayalu (9.0°C), Ananthagiri (9.4°C), Gamparai (Pedabayalu) (9.5°C) and Paderu (9.7°C).

During the last week of November, many areas recorded less than 10°C. Last week, during Cyclone Fengal, the temperatures slightly increased, with most areas recording about 15 to 20°C. Yet again, for the second time, the temperatures have dropped further.

“Dense fog has been engulfing the valley from 4 p.m. Even by 10 a.m., visibility on the roads is poor. Many tribals are depending on campfires to beat the heat after 6 p.m.,” said Pangi Suresh, an auto-rickshaw driver from Araku Valley.