Heavy rains lashed Annamayya and Chittoor districts in the last 24 hours, bringing much-needed relief after a prolonged dry spell and raising hopes for improved rabi prospects.
Annamayya district recorded substantial precipitation across three revenue divisions since Friday late night (October 16, 2026) till early hours of Saturday (October 17). In Rayachoti Division, total rainfall of 113.0 mm was recorded, with Sambepalli receiving highest at 36.2 mm, followed by Rayachoti 24.8 mm, Galiveedu 17.0 mm, Chinnamandem 15.2 mm, Ramapuram 10.0 mm, and Lakkireddipalle 9.8 mm.
Piler Division recorded highest rainfall in the district with 233.6 mm, with Gurramkonda recording 45.0 mm, Kalikiri 44.6 mm, Somala 34.0 mm, Kalakada 30.6 mm, K.V. Palli 27.4 mm, Piler 22.2 mm, Sodam 17.2 mm and Valmikipuram 12.6 mm, officials said.
Madanapalle Division also witnessed heavy downpour. Madanapalle town recorded 63.0 mm, Ramasamudram 56.8 mm, Pedda Tippa Samudram 52.8 mm, B. Kothakota 42.0 mm, Peddamandyam 28.6 mm, Mulakalacheruvu 28.4 mm, Nimmanapalli 20.2 mm, Tamballapalle 18.0 mm, Chaudepalle 16.4 mm, and Punganur 15.0 mm.
Meanwhile, Chittoor district witnessed intense evening thunderstorms on Saturday. Officials reported heavy rain in the vicinity of Chittoor town around 4.30 p.m.. Kuppam, Palamaner, Bangarupalem, and Gudipala belts also received moderate to heavy showers, bringing relief from humid conditions and inundating low-lying areas briefly.
Irrigation officials said the rain would significantly benefit farmers of both districts. Groundnut, paddy, ragi, and tomato crops under moisture stress would likely recover from oppressive heat, while water levels in tanks, check-dams, and borewells are expected to improve, contributing to early Rabi sowing.
Horticulture farmers cultivating mango, vegetables, and flowers in Chittoor, Madanapalle, Piler and Kuppam belts welcomed the spell, calling it crucial, timely and highly beneficial for crop health and groundwater recharge.
Published - October 17, 2026 07:16 pm IST