Severe heatwave conditions prevail in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam is reeling under severe heat wave conditions for the past four days. On Saturday and Sunday, dry weather conditions prevailed in several parts of the district. Temperatures in Visakhapatnam have soared three to four degrees above than the normal level. Since Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc in Odisha and West Bengal, it has sucked out the water vapour in the atmosphere.

"Though it has not impacted the coast in North Andhra, lack of moisture in the atmosphere led to increase in the temperatures," said R Murali Krishna, a scientist and a retired IMD officer. On May 20, Waltair recorded 39.0 degree Celsius, on Thursday: 37.6 degree Celsius and on Friday: 36.4 degree Celsius, on Saturday 36.2 degree Celsius and on Sunday 34.3 degree Celsius.

Since water vapour has been sucked out from the atmosphere, conditions of high humidity levels were witnessed across several parts of the district. Humidity levels hovered between 75 per cent and 84 percent from Friday to Sunday. Many continue to suffer profuse sweating due to the high humidity levels. Many were confined to homes. The consumption of air-conditioners doubled in the past few days. However, IMD officials said that the condition would improve from Sunday night.