Winter Chill Intensifies in Andhra Pradesh as Temperatures Plummet
The town of Chintapalle in Alluri Sitharama Raju district faced its second coldest day of the current winter season on Saturday, January 17. The minimum temperature dropped sharply to 4.8 degrees Celsius, marking a significant chill for residents.
Record Low Temperatures Across the District
This recent cold spell follows an earlier record set on January 9, when Chintapalle experienced its first extreme low of 4.5 degrees Celsius this winter. The Regional Agriculture Research Station at Chintapalle, which serves as the primary weather station for the district, documented a series of low readings:
- 4.8°C on January 17
- 4.5°C on January 9
- 5°C on January 8
- 6°C on January 7
- 6°C on December 9, 2025
Authorities from RARS reported that most parts of ASR district recorded minimum temperatures between 5°C and 7°C on Saturday. Other locations also felt the bite of winter, with Araku Valley recording 3.9°C and Pedabayalu at 4.7°C.
Dense Fog Adds to Weather Woes
Falling temperatures brought another problem: dense fog. Visibility plunged to as low as 50 meters in several areas, including Paderu, Araku Valley, Pedabayalu, Chintapalle, and G Madugula. This extremely dense fog created hazardous conditions for travel and daily activities.
Meanwhile, Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district emerged as the coldest plain location in the state, registering a minimum temperature of 13.2°C. Visakhapatnam city recorded its lowest temperature at 16°C, showing a milder but still notable chill.
IMD Forecasts Dry Weather Ahead
The India Meteorological Department provided an update on the weather patterns. They forecast that rain activity is likely to reduce in Andhra Pradesh as the northeast monsoon withdraws over the next two days. Conditions are becoming favorable for the cessation of northeast monsoon rains over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, and adjoining areas of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and south interior Karnataka.
The weather agency mentioned that dry weather will likely prevail over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema for the next five days. Fog or mist conditions may occur at isolated pockets over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam for the next two days. No large change in minimum temperatures is expected over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from January 18 to 20.
Residents across the region are bundling up as winter maintains its firm grip, with cold temperatures and foggy conditions shaping daily life.
