IMD forecasts heavy rainfall, thunderstorm for Hyderabad, other Telangana districts in next 24 hours

Hyderabad: India Meteorological Department (IMD), Hyderabad, has issued an orange alert for several districts in Telangana, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the next 24 hours.

The weather disturbances are expected to affect multiple regions until at least May 29, 2025.

Orange Alert for Four Districts

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, heavy to very heavy rain is “very likely to occur at isolated places” in Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nizamabad, and Jagtial. An orange alert, which signals preparedness for severe weather conditions, has been issued for these areas.

Meanwhile, yellow alerts are in place for most other districts, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds ranging from 30 to 60 kmph. The alerts apply across central and southern Telangana, including Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajigiri, and several districts in northern Telangana.

Widespread Rainfall to Continue

Light to moderate rainfall is expected at many places across the state from May 22 to 26. “Rainfall activity will reduce slightly after May 26, but isolated thunderstorms are likely to persist till May 28,” said K. S. Sridhar, Meteorologist from IMD Hyderabad, speaking to Newsmeter.

The maximum temperatures are expected to remain below normal, with Hyderabad and surrounding regions likely to experience daytime temperatures below 36°C. In the city, temperatures are expected to hover around 32°C to 33°C, with high humidity levels.

Cyclonic Activity and Low Pressure Area

The current weather pattern is being influenced by a low-pressure area that formed over the East Central Arabian Sea off the South Konkan-Goa coast on May 22. This system is expected to intensify into a depression in the next 36 hours, according to the IMD.

“There is also a trough extending from this low-pressure area to North Telangana, situated between 1.5 km and 5.8 km above mean sea level. These systems are contributing to the enhanced rainfall and thunderstorm activity,” said Sridhar.

Monsoon Advancing

The IMD also indicated that the current conditions are favourable for the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala in the next two to three days. “Subsequent advancement over parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Bay of Bengal region is also likely,” Sridhar added.

A second low-pressure area is forecast to form over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around May 27, with a possibility of further intensification.

Hyderabad City Forecast

For Hyderabad, the IMD predicts generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) over the next 24 hours. Surface winds are expected to be from the west or southwest. Rainfall recorded in the city on May 22 was 39.1 mm.

Advisory for Citizens and Farmers

The IMD has advised residents to avoid open spaces during lightning and to secure loose outdoor items that could be displaced by gusty winds. Farmers are urged to delay irrigation and harvesting activities where possible.

“Farmers should be cautious and avoid fieldwork during thunderstorms,” said Sridhar. “This spell of rain, though disruptive, may also help reduce surface temperatures and bring short-term relief from the heat.”

Summary of Warnings by Day (23-28 May 2025)

May 23–25: Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely across multiple districts.

May 26: Continued risk of thunderstorms and winds in select areas.

May 27–28: No major alerts currently issued, but isolated weather events may continue.

Residents and authorities are advised to stay updated with daily weather bulletins and take precautionary measures as needed.