Amaravati, May 11 (PTI) Even as sweltering summer conditions continue across Andhra with temperatures showing no significant change, the IMD on Monday forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in several parts of the state over the next five days due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
According to the meteorological centre in Amaravati, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema on May 11.
“Thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds is likely at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh during the next five days,” the India Meteorological Department said in a press release.
Gusty winds with speeds reaching up to 50 kmph are likely at
isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, while Rayalaseema is expected to witness winds of up to 40 kmph, it said.
The IMD observed that similar weather conditions are likely to persist on May 12 and 13 over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, with thunderstorms and gusty winds continuing in isolated areas.
On May 14 and 15, thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema, while gusty winds with speeds touching 50 kmph are expected at isolated places.
The department noted that a low-pressure area persisting over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the north Sri Lanka coast continues to influence weather conditions in the region.
The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level and is likely to intensify further over the next 48 hours, the IMD added.
Similarly, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain said a trough extending from Bihar to the Coastal Andhra coast through Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh continues to influence weather conditions over the region.
He noted that under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Sri Lanka region, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours.
Due to these weather systems, widespread rainfall accompanied by lightning is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh till Thursday and over Rayalaseema till Tuesday, Jain said.
He further said gusty winds with speeds ranging between 30 kmph and 50 kmph are likely in several parts of the state.
The APSDMA advised people to avoid staying in open areas during thunderstorms and to seek shelter in safe buildings. Farmers and cattle rearers were also urged not to take shelter under trees and to take adequate precautions during agricultural activities. PTI MS SSK
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