Heatwave scorches Vijayawada before evening rain, gusty winds bring relief

Vijayawada: After sweltering under severe heatwave conditions through Sunday, Vijayawada witnessed a sudden spell of rain accompanied by gusty winds in the evening, bringing temporary relief to residents after an intensely hot day.The city recorded around 44.5 degrees Celsius during the day, with scorching conditions and hot winds keeping several roads and public spaces unusually deserted as residents largely stayed indoors to avoid the heat. Recent heatwave conditions had already reduced daytime movement across the city.Around 6.30 pm, weather conditions changed sharply as clouds gathered over parts of the city, followed by gusty winds and rainfall that brought down temperatures and changed the atmosphere after hours of oppressive heat.The sudden rain also led to brief power disruptions in some localities, according to residents, though no major damage was immediately reported.Weather officials had forecast cloudy conditions and the possibility of rain even as high daytime temperatures continued across the region.