The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati, has issued a weather alert for Andhra Pradesh, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across several districts from Sunday through October 8.
While the recent spell of heavy rains over the state subsided on Saturday, unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to keep thunderstorm activity alive over the next few days.
🌦️ IMD Explains the Weather Systems Behind the Thunderstorms
According to the latest IMD weather bulletin, two active weather systems are influencing the state’s conditions:
- A trough extending from South Interior Karnataka to the Comorin area across Interior Tamil Nadu, positioned around 1.5 km above mean sea level.
- An upper air cyclonic circulation over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast, at about 3.1 km above mean sea level.
Additionally, northwesterly and southwesterly winds in the lower troposphere are prevailing over Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, enhancing moisture and instability in the atmosphere.
🌩️ Thunderstorms, Lightning & Gusty Winds Expected
Under the combined influence of these weather systems, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 km/h) are likely to occur at isolated locations across:
- North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
- South Coastal Andhra Pradesh
- Rayalaseema region
- Yanam
The IMD cautioned residents and farmers to remain alert during the evening and night hours, as lightning strikes and sudden gusty winds may cause local disruptions.
“The thunderstorm activity is expected to persist till October 8 across several districts,”
said an IMD official from Amaravati.
☔ Recent Rainfall Highlights
During the 24-hour period ending 8:30 AM on Saturday, several stations in southern Andhra Pradesh recorded significant rainfall:
| Location | District | Rainfall (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Palamaner | Chittoor | 10.2 |
| Thottambedu | Tirupati | 7.5 |
| Venkatagiri Kota | Chittoor | 5.8 |
| Srikalahasti | Tirupati | 5.8 |
| Palasamudram | Chittoor | 5.6 |
| Sullurpeta | Tirupati | 5.4 |
These heavy showers helped reduce the deficit rainfall in some interior parts of Andhra Pradesh, while bringing much-needed relief to agricultural zones.
⚠️ IMD Advisory for Residents
- Avoid open areas during lightning activity.
- Farmers are advised to delay outdoor work during thunderstorm hours.
- Fishermen should stay updated with daily coastal weather bulletins before venturing into the sea.
- Commuters should be cautious about wet roads and localized flooding.
