Andhra Pradesh on High Alert as Heatwaves Intensify Across 100+ Mandals

Andhra Pradesh is bracing for an intense spell of heatwave and severe heatwave conditions , with the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) warning that a large number of mandals will face extreme temperatures over the next two days. The alert highlights a growing weather crisis across north coastal districts, coastal Andhra, and Rayalaseema , where temperatures are already soaring beyond seasonal norms.

According to APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain , over 50 mandals are expected to experience severe heatwave conditions , while dozens more will face moderate heatwave intensity. The impact, however, is not uniform. The worst-hit belt lies in North Coastal Andhra , particularly in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Parvathipuram Manyam , which together account for a majority of the severely affected mandals.

Among these, Vizianagaram (around 18 mandals) and Parvathipuram Manyam (about 15 mandals) are emerging as the epicentres of extreme heat stress, while Srikakulam is witnessing a combination of severe and moderate heatwave conditions across multiple mandals . These districts are expected to face the most intense impact, with sustained high temperatures and limited coastal cooling effects.

The heatwave is also expanding into coastal districts such as Kakinada, East Godavari, Eluru, and Anakapalli , where several mandals are experiencing rising temperatures coupled with high humidity, increasing discomfort levels. Further inland, districts like NTR, Palnadu, and Nandyal are witnessing heatwave conditions, indicating a widening geographical spread of the phenomenon.

In Rayalaseema , districts including Kadapa, Tirupati, Anantapur, and Nandyal are recording some of the highest temperatures in the state . Pottipadu in Kadapa has touched 43.8°C , while Varadaiahpalem in Tirupati, Nandyal, and parts of Anantapur have all reported temperatures above 42°C , underscoring the severity of the situation. Though not all these areas fall under the “severe heatwave” category, the combination of extreme heat and dry conditions makes them equally vulnerable .

Experts indicate that while North Coastal Andhra remains the most critically affected zone , the broader trend reflects a statewide escalation , with both coastal humidity and inland dryness amplifying heat stress across regions.

In response, the state government has activated a comprehensive Heat Action Plan , aimed at minimizing casualties and ensuring preparedness at all levels. A key component of this strategy is the AWARE (Advance Warning Advisory for Resilient Ecosystem) platform , which enables early heat alerts up to five days in advance , allowing district administrations to respond proactively in high-risk mandals.

Healthcare systems have been placed on alert, with Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and hospitals equipped to manage heatstroke and dehydration cases . The government has ensured the availability of ambulances, hospital beds, ORS packets, and essential medicines , while medical personnel have been trained for rapid response.

At the community level, authorities are intensifying public awareness campaigns , urging people to avoid peak sun exposure, stay hydrated, and identify early symptoms of heat-related illnesses . Special focus is being placed on vulnerable groups , including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and outdoor workers.

To provide immediate relief, drinking water kiosks and cooling shelters are being set up in public spaces such as bus stands and marketplaces. Additionally, work timings under employment schemes like MGNREGS have been rescheduled , and employers are being directed to ensure adequate shade, water, and rest breaks for labourers.

Educational institutions are also being brought into the preparedness framework, with authorities considering adjustments in school timings and hydration practices . Meanwhile, coordination between health, disaster management, water supply, and power departments is being strengthened to ensure uninterrupted access to electricity and drinking water .

The government is also leveraging data-driven monitoring and risk mapping , identifying heatwave-prone mandals using real-time inputs to enable targeted interventions. In extreme cases, provisions for financial assistance to affected families remain in place.

With forecasts indicating further intensification, officials have urged residents especially in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, and parts of Rayalaseema to strictly follow safety advisories. The evolving situation underscores both the growing climate challenge and the state’s efforts to respond with a coordinated, technology-driven strategy to reduce the human and economic impact of extreme heat.