Thu Jul 17 16:23:19 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Braces for Rainfall After Weeks of Deficit
**Vijayawada, July 17, 2025 (The Hindu)** – A welcome turn of weather is on the horizon for Andhra Pradesh as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts widespread rainfall across all three regions of the state – South Coastal A.P., North Coastal A.P., and Rayalaseema – from July 18th to 24th. Following this period, light to moderate rains are expected to continue in North Coastal A.P. until August 4th, while other regions may experience scattered showers.
The forecast comes after a prolonged period of dry weather, with the state registering a 38% deficit in rainfall since the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon on May 26th. According to the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), four districts – Palnadu, SPSR Nellore, Annamayya, and YSR Kadapa – have been particularly affected, experiencing a severe rainfall deficiency of between 55% and 75%.
Out of the state’s 26 districts, only six have recorded normal rainfall thus far: Alluri Sitarama Raju, Eluru, Parvatipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool.
The IMD’s initial July forecast predicted normal rainfall for the Rayalaseema region, with South Coastal A.P. expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, and North Coastal A.P. potentially seeing normal to below-normal rainfall.
True to earlier predictions, Vijayawada experienced a brief but heavy downpour on Thursday evening, offering a respite from the persistent heat, where maximum temperatures have hovered around 40 degrees Celsius since July 13th.
On Thursday, between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Utukuru station in Gampalagudem mandal (NTR district) recorded the highest rainfall at 70.25 mm, followed by Bethapudi (51.5 mm) in Phirangipuram mandal (Guntur district) and Parchur (50.25 mm) in Bapatla district.
The IMD reports that lower tropospheric southwesterly/westerly winds are currently prevailing over Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.
Residents are urged to exercise caution as thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are predicted to accompany the upcoming rainfall.
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