Dense fog engulfs Araku Valley following a drop in temperature in Alluri Sitharama Raju district. File
| Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
Temperatures have yet again dropped significantly in the Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district. As cold wave conditions continue, a number of tribal hamlets have recorded single digit temperatures.
In the early hours of January 4, 2025 (Saturday), Araku Valley recorded a minimum temperature of 4.1 degree Celsius. On December 16, 2024, Araku Valley had registered 3.8 degree Celsius.
As per the observations at the weather stations maintained by the A.P. State Development & Planning Society, the minimum temperature (in degree Celsius) registered at several places is as follows: Kunthalam (G. Madugula mandal) 4.5; G. Madugula mandal headquarters 5.5; Dumbriguda 5.7; G.K. Veedhi 5.8; Paderu 5.9; Masada (Hukumpeta mandal) 6; Hukumpeta 6.4; Pedabayalu 7; Chintapalli 7.2; Gamparai (Hukumpeta mandal) 7.2; Ananthagiri 7.9; Subbulu (G. Madugula mandal) 8.7; Munchingputtu 9; Y. Ramavaram 9.7; and Maredumulli (another tourist hotspot) 11.7.
Many areas in Ananthagiri, Paderu, Araku Valley, Hukumpeta, G.K. Veedhi, and G. Madugula logged temperatures ranging between 11 degree and 15 degree Celsius.
The plummeting temperature and thick fog has led to low visibility in the Agency areas, partially affecting transport facility in the district.
Low visibility
Drivers of APSRTC buses and jeeps travelling on the Paderu–Madugula, Araku Valley–S. Kota ghat roads have been facing severe inconvenience. The visibility, they say, is improving only after 9 a.m. Elderly people and children are facing a lot of difficulty due to cold winds. However, tourist spots are attracting a large number of visitors. Experts say that the cold weather conditions will continue up to Sankranti.
Published – January 04, 2025 08:05 pm IST