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

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) Managing Director Prakhar Jain has advised farmers to take precautions, as there is a forecast of light showers and thunderstorms for the next three days in the State.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati, there will be widespread rain until March 22 in the State, and thereafter isolated rainfall is expected. Thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 60 kmph, are likely in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema.

The current weather situation in the State is brought out by an upper air cyclonic circulation that lies over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and neighbourhood at 3.1 km above mean sea level. The trough from Gulf of Mannar to South Interior Karnataka across Tamil Nadu persists, according to the IMD.

Mr. Prakhar Jain said farmers should ensure that crops such as black gram, chilli, turmeric, and other dried produce did not get wet. During thunderstorms, people should avoid standing under trees or staying in open fields. While indoors, it is recommended to minimise the use of electronic devices.

On Friday, light to moderate rains with thunderstorms are likely across the State. On Saturday, light showers are expected at isolated places in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Polavaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Markapuram, and Prakasam. Other districts may experience light rains with thunderstorms.

On Sunday too, light to moderate rains with thunderstorms are likely at isolated places in these districts.