Thunderstorms, gusty winds likely across AP till May 18, says IMD

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP), Yanam and Rayalaseema over the next few days, offering some relief from the prevailing heat.Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated places over CAP, Yanam, and Rayalaseema from May 15 to 18. Gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are likely at these places during the period.The weathermen stated that there would be no large change in maximum temperature over CAP during the next three days, and thereafter a gradual rise by 2-3℃ in the subsequent three days. There would be no large change in maximum temperature over Rayalaseema on Friday and Saturday.More than 20 districts in the state recorded poor pre-noon showers, resulting in parts of Rayalaseema and some parts of the CAP recorded hot, humid and uncomfortable weather conditions for the past one week.The well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal persists over the same region, and the associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.The conditions are becoming favourable for the advance of the southwest monsoon over parts of the South Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands around May 16.