Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Rayalaseema Heat Surges as September Temperatures Reach 38.7°C
Parts of Rayalaseema became unusually hot during September, which is normally a rainy time.
One place in Anantapur recorded 38.7°C.
Several nearby areas also recorded temperatures close to 37°C or higher.
Rainfall in Andhra Pradesh was much lower than usual during the reported week.
Scientists said weaker rain and long dry periods helped make the weather hotter and drier.
El Niño may also be changing rainfall and temperature patterns.
Many groundnut, red gram and cotton crops have been badly damaged.
Farmers are facing major losses because some crops have withered completely.
Hussainpura in Anantapur district recorded 38.7°C on Sunday, the region’s highest reported temperature.
Temperatures also reached 38.5°C at a sub-station in Gooty and 37.7°C in Anantapur Urban.
Anantapur, Kurnool and Kadapa districts experienced temperatures of about 37°C in several areas.
Rainfall in Andhra Pradesh was 89% below normal from August 27 to September 2.
Drought-like conditions damaged groundnut, red gram and cotton crops across more than 14 lakh hectares.
- Who
- Residents and farmers in Rayalaseema, especially in Anantapur, Kurnool and Kadapa districts, were affected.
- What
- Unusually high September temperatures coincided with deficient rainfall and extensive kharif crop damage.
- When
- The highest temperature was recorded on Sunday, with above-normal heat reported from mid-August into September.
- Where
- The conditions affected Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh, including Anantapur district and parts of Kurnool and Kadapa.
- Why
- Weakening rainfall, prolonged dry spells, lower wind speeds and the developing El Niño were identified as contributing factors.
- Highest temperature
- 38.7°C at Hussainpura in Tadipatri mandal
- Second-highest reading
- 38.5°C at the 440 KV sub-station point in Gooty mandal
- Anantapur Urban temperature
- 37.7°C
- Rainfall deficit
- Andhra Pradesh received 3.6 mm against a normal 31.9 mm from August 27 to September 2
- Crop area affected
- More than 14 lakh hectares
- Crops damaged
- Groundnut, red gram and cotton
- Expected weather
- Temperatures may remain above normal during prolonged dry spells in September