Four districts in Telangana experienced heat wave that was expected to persist in the State on Wednesday.
According to the India Meteorological Department, maximum temperatures in all districts remained over 40 degrees but these four districts were nearly five degrees above normal. An atmospheric trough along the coast of Andhra Pradesh was drawing in westerly and north-westerly winds over the state, which had caused the temperature to go up, said IMD Hyderabad Director-in-Charge, Y.K. Reddy.
The IMD Hyderabad issued a heat wave alert for Wednesday. “If this trough moves inland, the areas on its eastern side will get relief. However, temperatures are expected to remain high over the next two to three days,” he said, adding that some isolated rain was possible but would not bring relief across the State as it will be localised. Nalgonda recorded the highest maximum temperature of 46.4 degrees on Tuesday with both Bhadrachalam and Khammam recording over 45 degrees. Hyderabad recorded the lowest maximum at 42.4 degrees .
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The Ramagundam coal belt area in Godavarikhani turned ‘agnigundam’ (furnace) with the temperature crossing 45 degrees. Medak district recorded a temperature of 43 degrees on Tuesday while on Monday it was 43.2 degrees. Situation in the mining areas in Kothagudem, Yellandu and Manuguru turned worse with mercury touching 45 degrees. The coal hub of Kothagudem and the temple town of Bhadrachalam sizzled above 45 degrees, sources said. This summer, over 105 deaths were attributed to intense heat, a figure which the State government is verifying. Each death would be scrutinised by a three-member committee set up in the district. Only upon certification by the committee would he government provide the family of heat stroke victim compensation.
On Tuesday, the IMD also forecast the arrival of monsoon over Kerala by May 30, with an error margin of four days. In about a week after the onset over Kerala, peninsular India would be covered, bringing relief from summer heat. This year, the IMD forecast a nearly normal monsoon.