Anantapur: Mercury levels are hitting a new high every day. The maximum temperature touched 42.6°C in many parts of Rayalaseema region this season. Though, 41°C temperature recorded at Anantapur headquarters, maximum of 42.6°C was reported at Singanamala mandal followed by Tadipathri at 42.3°C and Bukkapattanam at 42 degrees on Thursday.
The highest maximum temperature is usually recorded between 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm. On Friday, mercury levels touched 41.8°C in eight mandals and about 45 mandals witnessed more than 41°C in Anantapur district alone.
Meteorology department predicts mercury levels will be on the rise for a few more days and expected to touch 45°C in five days.
Dry weather prevailed across the state with temperatures in the region touching lowest of 36°C and highest up to 42°C. Singanamala mandal headquarters witnessed 42.6°C on Thursday and continued at 41.8°C Friday. Karnataka border mandals — Madakasira, Rolla and Amarapuram reported lowest temperatures about 37.7°C.
“On Thursday, the maximum temperatures rose in Rayalaseema, and was appreciably abnormal even in rural parts,” Met officials said.
“The temperatures are above normal. They have been increasing by the day and will touch 45°C across Rayalaseema region in coming week. With poor cloud effect, clear skies increase temperatures,” sources said.
Doctors warn of possible sunstrokes. Minimum safety measures must be taken to avoid sunstrokes following mercury levels hitting high, general physician Dr Ravi Sreenivas observed.
