Hyderabad wakes up to massive thunderclap on Thursday morning; IMD issues yellow alert

Hyderabad: Hyderabad woke up to rumbling thunder on May 15.

The local weatherman has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms across Telangana on Thursday.

These storms have been occurring during the peak summer season. They have brought down the day temperatures drastically. Several parts of Telangana experienced heavy downpours, with rainfall intensity reaching up to 94.3 mm in some regions.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the state. Accompanying the thunderstorms will be winds blowing at a speed of 40 kmph.

Heavy Rains Across Telangana

Multiple districts across Telangana reported significant rainfall between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. According to the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS), Kohir in Sangareddy received the highest recorded rainfall of 94.3 mm, followed by Tekmal in Medak with 89.5 mm and Chandampet in Nalgonda with 80 mm. Pulkal in Sangareddy saw 75.8 mm, while Kadthal in Rangareddy recorded 69.5 mm.

In Hyderabad, heavy thunderstorms lasting 20–25 minutes were reported in several locations, followed by persistent rain and cloudy conditions. Areas most affected include Rajendranagar, Attapur, Charminar, Aramghar, Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, Shaikpet, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Gachibowli, and Narsingi. Several parts of Secunderabad, including Trimulgherry, Dr. A.S. Rao Nagar, Kapra, ECIL, and Marredpally, also experienced heavy showers.

Impact and Rainfall Data

According to TSDPS data, the highest rainfall in Hyderabad was recorded at the DEO office near BHEL Factory, Ramachandrapuram (44 mm), followed by Ramachandrapuram town (35.5 mm). Mailardevpally and Rajendranagar received 33.5 mm, while Kishanbagh in Bahadurpura saw 20.8 mm. Other significant rain-hit areas include PJR Stadium in Chandanagar (18.5 mm), MMTS Lingampally in Serilingampally (16.8 mm), Patancheru (15.8 mm), and Sivarampalle in Rajendranagar (14.8 mm).

Expert Opinions on Weather Patterns

Weather expert K.S. Sridhar from the Hyderabad Meteorological Department (IMD), speaking to NewsMeter, noted that the thunderstorms were triggered by a combination of local convective activity and moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. “This kind of intense thunderstorm activity is typical during the pre-monsoon season. The warm surface temperatures create ideal conditions for moisture to rise and condense rapidly, resulting in heavy rains and strong winds,” he explained.

He further added, “We expect sporadic thunderstorms to continue in the coming days, especially during the evenings and early mornings. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions during high wind and heavy rain events.”

SW monsoon to hit in May 27

Southwest monsoon likely to hit Kerala on May 27, earlier than usual

This year, the onset of the southwest monsoon is nine days ahead of the usual climatological date. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, this year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set over Kerala on May 27.

The usual date of the monsoon onset over Kerala—marking the official beginning of India’s primary four-month-long rainy season—is June 1. The monsoon rains are expected to progress northwards and cover the entire country by mid-July.

As per the latest data, the southwest monsoon has advanced into some parts of the South Bay of Bengal, the south Andaman Sea, the Nicobar Islands and some parts of the North Andaman Sea on Tuesday.

Above Normal Monsoon

Seasonal rainfall during the June–September 2025 southwest monsoon is likely to be 105% of the Long Period Average (LPA) of 87 cm, with a model error margin of ±5%, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The forecast, released on April 15, 2025, indicates a high probability of above-normal rainfall across much of the country.

High Probability of Strong Monsoon

IMD’s forecast places a 59% probability on the monsoon rainfall being either “above normal” (105–110% of LPA) or “excess” (>110%).

“Our current models show a strong tendency towards an above-normal monsoon this year, which will be beneficial for agriculture and water resources,” meteorologist K.S. Sridhar told NewsMeter.