Andhra Pradesh: Rayalaseema Reels Under Unusual September Heat
“The present heat reminds us of March and April. I have never experienced such intense heat in September”: A Farmer
KURNOOL: Scorching heat and high humidity have left people across Rayalaseema struggling, with several districts recording unusually high temperatures for September. Kurnool district, in particular, has been witnessing temperatures above 38°C for the past four days, according to weather scientists.
On Monday afternoon, Kosigi mandal recorded a maximum temperature of 38.1°C, while Kurnool city recorded 38°C. The persistent heat has also been accompanied by high humidity, making conditions uncomfortable even during the evening hours.
“The present heat reminds us of March and April. I have never experienced such intense heat in September,” said N. Ramasubbaiah, a farmer from Kowthalam mandal in Kurnool district.
The prolonged dry and hot conditions are also taking a toll on groundwater resources. Officials said groundwater levels were declining steadily in 21 mandals of Kurnool district and nearly 30 mandals across Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts.
Rain-fed crops are already showing signs of stress, with farmers reporting that standing crops are drying up due to the intense heat. Tomato crops grown at several locations in Nandyal district have reportedly withered. Officials said the impact of the high temperatures remained severe until around 6 p.m.
Dr G. Narayana Swamy, a weather scientist at Rekulakunta in Anantapur, attributed the unusual temperatures to the ongoing El Niño conditions and developments in the Pacific Ocean.
“Temperatures across the State are averaging around 38°C. The present conditions are increasing heat stress and accelerating the depletion of groundwater. We are describing the phenomenon as a ‘super El Niño’,” Dr Narayana Swamy said.
The situation is particularly worrying in Kadapa district, where Water Resources Management Department officials have estimated that more than 16,000 borewells have already dried up due to the declining groundwater table.
Farmers said they were being forced to drill deeper in search of water, with some borewells being drilled to depths of nearly 800 feet.
The combination of persistent heat, weak rainfall and falling groundwater levels has raised concerns over the survival of rain-fed crops and the availability of irrigation water in the coming weeks.