NEWS

Andhra Pradesh finally gets respite from heat wave

By Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad
June 13, 2003 20:10 IST

The heat wave that tormented Andhra Pradesh since May 16 finally abated with pre-monsoon rains and thundershowers occurring in many parts of the state in the last 48 hours.

No loss of life due to severe heat conditions has been reported from any part of the state in the last two days.

Pre-monsoon showers lashed coastal Andhra and Telangana regions while the Rayalaseema region received scattered rains.

Temperatures fell all over the state and, for the first time since May 16, no heat wave conditions prevailed anywhere in the state indicating that the hot spell has finally ended, Meteorological Department Director C V V Bhadram told rediff.com on Friday.

The Met Department has not issued a heat wave warning since Thursday.

The maximum temperature of 41 degree Celsius was recorded at Cuddapah, Nellore and Tirupati. In Hyderabad, the mercury fell to 36.8 degree Celsius.

As per the weather forecast, light to moderate rains are likely to occur at a few places in coastal regions and Telangana in the next 24 hours while isolated rains and thundershowers will occur over Rayalaseema.

"We are expecting a normal monsoon. We are not really bothered about the delay in the onset of monsoon. If the quantum of rains is sufficient, it should see us through," Additional Relief Commissioner I S Shrinagesh told rediff.com.

The State Relief Department put the death toll (in the heat wave) at 1,421, which is an all-time high in the state's history.

Waiting for the rains: Complete coverage
More reports from Andhra Pradesh

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

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