`Prolonged thundershowers': IMD says heat intensity drops across Telangana

Hyderabad: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Hyderabad, has forecast a significant shift in weather patterns for Telangana, bringing much-needed relief from the extreme summer heat typically expected in May.

Thundershowers Replace Peak Summer Conditions

According to the latest bulletin issued on Sunday evening, widespread thundershowers, lightning, gusty winds, and occasional hailstorms are expected across the state until at least May 12. This development has reduced the threat of severe heatwave conditions that usually dominate this time of year.

“Due to a series of upper air circulations and moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, the heat intensity across Telangana has dropped,” said K.S. Sridhar, meteorologist at IMD-Hyderabad, speaking to NewsMeter. “We are seeing a rare but welcome pattern of prolonged thundershower activity for the first half of May.”

Orange and Yellow Alerts in Place

The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts across all districts up to May 7, indicating the likelihood of severe to moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and localized hailstorms.

Districts under orange alert can expect wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, while yellow alert areas will experience 30–40 kmph gusts. The department has advised residents to stay indoors during storm activity and avoid sheltering under trees or exposed structures.

Drop in Maximum Temperatures

In contrast to the usual May temperatures of 42–45°C, maximum daytime temperatures are now expected to range between 36°C and 40°C in most districts. However, until Monday, 12 districts—including Wanaparthy, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Narayanpet, Mahabubnagar, and Adilabad—will continue to experience slightly higher temperatures, peaking between 41°C and 44°C.

“While these temperatures are still high, they are considerably lower than what we typically see in early May,” said Sridhar. “This change reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses and stress.”

Weather Outlook for the Week

Starting Tuesday and continuing through the weekend, temperatures are forecast to stabilize between 36°C and 40°C across all regions. Thunderstorm activity is expected to persist intermittently, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

The IMD has encouraged farmers and local authorities to take note of the weather alerts, particularly in hailstorm-prone zones, to prevent damage to standing crops and infrastructure.

Public Advisory

The Hyderabad MET office has urged residents to remain cautious during stormy periods and to monitor local updates. Precautionary measures include unplugging electrical appliances during lightning, avoiding open fields, and refraining from driving during heavy rain or wind.