Severe heatwave likely in 30 mandals of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 16, 17

Severe heatwave likely in 30 mandals of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 16, 17. Bheemunipatnam and Simhachalam areas recorded a maximum of 37 degree Celsius in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning.

Severe heatwave conditions have begun in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, though the first summer month (March) is not yet over, indicating an intense summer this year.

People have started sweating due to humidity and turning on air-conditioners to beat the sultry weather.

In Visakhapatnam city limits, Bheemunipatnam and Simhachalam areas recorded a maximum of 37 degree Celsius in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning, according to the State weather observatories.

With the Class X examinations set to begin across the State on March 17, the authorities have directed the officials of the Education Department to ensure that ORS packets, buttermilk or water are available to the students at every examination centre.

Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) R. Kurmanath said on Saturday that severe heatwave was likely to prevail in over 30 mandals of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh on March 16 and 17.

Severe heatwave warning had been issued to 43 mandals in the region — 11 in Srikakulam, 16 in Vizianagaram, 13 in Parvathipuram-Manyam, and three in Alluri Seetharama Raju districts.

Similarly, 34 mandals in the region — eight in Srikakulam, 13 in Vizianagaram, and 13 in Alluri Seetharama Raju districts — were likely to experience severe heatwave on March 17, he added.