AP reels under 35% rain deficit in March–April

Visakhapatnam: With pre-monsoon showers eluding much of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and coastal districts witnessed dry weather through March and April, leaving the state with a 35% rainfall deficit in the first two months of summer.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Andhra Pradesh recorded 11.8 mm of rainfall in March 2026 against the normal 12.2 mm. Light to moderate rain and hailstorms with lightning and gusty winds lashed parts of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema for over a week in March, but overall totals remained below average.Between March 1 and April 30, the state logged 22.1 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 34.1 mm, translating into a 35% deficit.District-wise, Srikakulam (+24%), Parvathipuram Manyam (+11%) and Anakapalle (+11%) recorded excess rainfall, while most other districts reported normal to deficit conditions. Coastal Andhra Pradesh saw 28% less rainfall, while Rayalaseema faced a sharper 44% deficit.Temperatures across Rayalaseema hovered between 40°C and 45°C in April, with Anantapur peaking at 44.1°C, nearly 4°C above normal. Coastal Andhra experienced at least one heatwave day in April. The lack of rain sustained heatwave-like conditions in both CAP and Rayalaseema.The IMD forecast said daytime temperatures in May are expected to be normal to below normal across most of India, except parts of the southern peninsula, northeast and northwest regions.