VIJAYAWADA: With the maximum temperature soaring to 47.6°C in the State, the government has issued a strong advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against heat-related illnesses, particularly heat stroke.
Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav chaired a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, directing medical staff at all levels — from Ayushman Health Centres to teaching hospitals — to be fully prepared to handle emergencies. Officials informed him that between March 1 and May 19, 2026, the State recorded 325 suspected heat stroke cases, including 96 in May alone.
District-wise data showed the highest incidence in Visakhapatnam (24 cases), followed by Kakinada (17), Vizianagaram (13), Kadapa (11), and Chittoor and Eluru (5 each). No fatalities have been reported so far, which is a significant improvement compared to 1,692 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
The Health Department has advised citizens to avoid outdoor exposure between 11 am and 4 pm, when heat intensity peaks, and consume plenty of fluids. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, require special care. To strengthen preparedness, the State has stocked 1.44 crore ORS packets, with over 2.57 lakh packets distributed last week.
Emergency services, including 108 ambulances, have been placed on standby.
Piduguralla records season’s highest temperature of 47.6°C
The Health Minister emphasised that coordinated action across Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Municipal Administration, Disaster Management, Police, and Fire Services is essential to safeguard public health.
Officials highlighted the use of the AWARE (Advance Warning Advisory for Resilient Ecosystem) digital platform, which provides district collectors with advance alerts on heat intensity based on European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts data.
Temperatures between 27-32°C are flagged as “Caution”, 33-41°C as “Danger,” and 42-54°C as “Very Danger.”
Satya Kumar stressed that the government’s highest priority is protecting citizens from heat-related risks, urging people to follow medical advice and remain alert as summer conditions intensify.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued a high alert as extreme heat conditions continue to grip the State.
APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain reported that the season’s highest temperature of 47.6°C was recorded at Piduguralla in Palnadu district on Wednesday, with 11 districts crossing 45°C.
He cautioned that similar intensity is expected to persist for the next four days.
According to APSDMA, 204 mandals across 18 districts registered temperature above 43°C, with Palnadu (23 mandals), Krishna (21), Prakasam (20), Eluru (20), Bapatla (17), Nellore (16), NTR (15), Guntur (15), and Markapuram (12) among the worst affected.
