Rayalaseema faces extreme heat despite rain forecasts

People across the Rayalaseema districts have been advised to take precautionary measures, as another scorching week of severe summer conditions is expected to continue gripping the region, despite forecasts of isolated pre-monsoon showers in a few pockets.

According to officials, conditions are becoming particularly harsh around Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district, where hot and dry winds have disrupted normal life. In the Kadiri and Dharmavaram areas, temperatures are expected to hover around 44°C over the next five days. Many people have expressed that the roads remain nearly deserted during the afternoon hours, as they are avoiding stepping out unless absolutely necessary.

The Madanapalle belt in Annamayya district, which is generally known for its relatively moderate summer weather, is also facing harsh conditions, with temperatures exceeding 37°C. Residents report warmer-than-usual evenings and increasing discomfort even after sunset. Although weather reports predict chances of isolated thunderstorms and short spells of rain in some mandals, the showers are unlikely to provide any significant relief until the onset of the monsoon rains, officials said.

The current weather pattern remains highly unstable, with intense daytime heating triggering cloud build-up during the evenings in Chittoor and Annamayya districts. This increases the possibility of gusty winds, lightning activity, and scattered thunderstorms in isolated areas, officials added.

The Collectors of Chittoor and Annamayya districts have issued an advisory to the public, particularly to children, senior citizens, and outdoor workers, urging them to avoid exposure during peak afternoon hours and to drink plenty of water.

The prolonged dry spell is also beginning to worry farmers across Rayalaseema, with concerns growing over falling soil moisture levels and mounting pressure on groundwater sources ahead of the southwest monsoon. Tomato cultivation in the Madanapalle region has witnessed a sudden drop in yields since the second week of May, followed by damage to the crop due to intense heat, a horticulture official said.

Meanwhile, heavy rain swept through parts of Anantapur district on Friday (May 22, 2026), causing sudden waterlogging in several low-lying areas and slowing down traffic movement. Strong winds accompanying the showers led to a few trees being uprooted, temporarily blocking some key roads. While the rain provided brief relief from the intense heat, it also disrupted normal life for a while.