Farmers cautioned as light rain and thunderstorms are likely across Andhra Pradesh till March 22

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Director General Prakhar Jain advised farmers to take precautions as light showers and thunderstorms are forecast in the state for the next three days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Amaravati, the state will experience widespread rainfall until March 22, after which isolated rainfall is expected. Southern Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of up to 60 km per hour.

The current weather pattern in the state is due to the upper air cyclonic circulation located at 3.1 km above mean sea level over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and district. According to IMD, the trough continues from the Gulf of Mannar to South Interior Karnataka via Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Prakhar Jain said farmers should ensure that crops like black gram, red chilli, turmeric and other dried produce do not get wet. During thunderstorms, people should avoid standing under trees or in open areas. It is recommended to minimize the use of electronic devices indoors.

Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected across the state on Friday. Light showers are expected at isolated places in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Polavaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Markapuram and Prakasam districts on Saturday. In other districts, light showers and thunderstorms may occur.

On Sunday, light to moderate showers and thunderstorms are expected in remote places in these districts.