Cold wave intensifies in Hyderabad; mercury dips to 9°C in Moinabad

Hyderabad: Hyderabad and several districts across Telangana continue to experience an intense cold spell, with minimum temperatures dipping into single digits at multiple locations.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Hyderabad, has forecast that minimum temperatures are likely to remain 2°C to 3°C below normal in isolated pockets of the State over the next two days.

In its latest bulletin, IMD stated that the cold conditions will persist under ‘Yellow Alert’. IMD forecasts a gradual rise in temperatures towards the middle of the week.

Speaking to NewsMeter, meteorologist K S. Sridhar said, “Cold northeasterly winds and clear night skies are contributing to the sharp fall in minimum temperatures. These conditions are likely to continue for another 48 hours before temperatures begin to normalise.”

Single-Digit Lows Across Hyderabad and Districts

Several parts of Hyderabad and its surrounding districts recorded unusually low temperatures between Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Moinabad in Rangareddy district recorded 9°C, while the Moula Ali area registered 9.8°C.

In north Telangana, the chill was more pronounced. Sirpur in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district recorded a minimum of 7°C, while Bela in Adilabad district recorded 7.9°C, among the lowest in the State.

According to Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS) data, these readings represent a notable departure from last year’s temperatures. At this time in 2025, Bela had recorded a minimum of 11°C, while Moula Ali stood at 15.5°C and Moinabad at 14.3°C, highlighting the extended winter conditions this year.

Sridhar noted, “The persistence of lower-than-normal minimum temperatures indicates a prolonged winter phase this season, especially in northern districts of Telangana.”

Dense Fog Reduces Visibility

Apart from the cold, dense fog has emerged as a major concern for commuters across Telangana, particularly during early morning hours between 5.30 am and 9.30 am. Weather officials attribute the fog to high moisture levels in the lower atmosphere, leading to a sharp drop in visibility.

In several suburban areas and along major highways, visibility has reportedly fallen below 50 metres, posing risks to road users.

High-Risk Road Stretches Identified

Authorities have flagged key transport corridors as high-risk zones due to fog. These include the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway (NH65), especially the stretch between LB Nagar and Choutuppal, the Hyderabad–Nagpur highway (NH44), and sections of the Outer Ring Road (ORR).

Sridhar explained, “Fog formation is expected to remain intense during early morning hours for the next few days. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, particularly on highways and open stretches.”

Police Advisory Ahead of Sankranti Travel

With increased road travel expected during the Sankranti festival period, the Cyberabad and Hyderabad Police have issued a joint advisory urging motorists to avoid early morning travel wherever possible.

Motorists have been advised to use fog lights and indicators, maintain safe distances, and avoid high-beam headlights, which can worsen visibility in dense fog conditions.

Officials have reiterated that weather and visibility conditions will be closely monitored, and further advisories may be issued if required.