After a brief lull, heat wave conditions continue to haunt people in several parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Mercury breached the 40-degree Celsius mark in several districts, except north coastal Andhra Pradesh, with Machilipatnam recording the highest temperature of 45 degree Celsius on Tuesday.
In all, 53 mandals witnessed severe heat wave conditions and heat wave prevailed in 63 mandals.
Vijayawada and Ongole witnessed a temperature of 44 degree Celsius, followed by Kakinada (43 degree Celsius), Tirupati (42 degree Celsius), and Kurnool, Anantapur, and Nellore (41 degree Celsius each).
Weather was moderate in Visakhapatnam, which recorded 35 degree Celsius, and Kalingapatnam (36 degree Celsius).
According to India Meteorological Department, severe heat wave conditions are expected to prevail in 36 mandals and moderate conditions in 358 mandals across the State in the next 24 hours.
The sizzling weather forced people to remain indoors for most part of the day. The rising mercury, coupled with north-westerly hot winds, is giving a tough time to the people.
Roads in several places wore a deserted look in the afternoon as vehicular traffic significantly dropped.
The searing heat impacted business establishments, which witnessed low transactions as people feared to come out even after 4 p.m.
Safety measures
The Government had taken several measures such as conducting health camps all over the State. Sufficient stock of ORS packets had been kept ready and water supply points were being continued in all the vulnerable areas. Personnel had been deployed to man the 8,953 shelters that were provided at different places.
While Machilipatnam sizzles at 45 degree Celsius, Vizag registers only
35 degree Celsius