VISAKHAPATNAM: Just a week before Christmas, there has been a drop in the temperature with Arogyavaram recording 15 degree Celsius and Visakhapatnam 16 degree Celsius on Monday. Most of the areas in Siripuram, Sagar Nagar and coastal stretch recorded freezing cold even in the mornings, while people in other areas shivered during night.
According to IMD officials, there is appreciable fall in minimum temperatures at one or two places over Coastal AP and Rayalaseema. Lowest minimum temperature of 15 degree Celsius was recorded at Arogyavaram, followed by 16 degree C in Visakhapatnam and 17 degree Celsius at Nandigama, Bapatla, Kadapa and Anantapur.
Thick fog enveloped many places, making it difficult for vehicles to ply. According to IMD scientist Naga Ratna, “The minimum temperatures recorded this year dropped further when compared to last year. However, the minimum temperature will remain between 16 and 17 degree Celsius in Coastal AP, while Rayalaseema might witness further drop in temperatures.”
The sudden dip in the temperatures at Araku, Lambasingi, Paderu and Chintapalle in Vizag Agency attracts many tourists. Many areas in the agency recorded temperatures between 7 and 8 degree Celsius and the temperatures would drop further in the coming days and it is expected by month-end temperature may dip to zero degree Celsius. An IMD scientist said that the temperatures were likely to drop further between December-end and January first week.