Rain alert issued for Telangana districts; Hyderabad likely to see evening showers

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Meteorological Department (TSMD) has issued a rain alert for the districts of Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool, Rangareddy, Wanaparthy, Gadwal, Suryapet, Khammam, Mancherial, Asifabad and Yadadri.

Light rains are expected in these areas over the next two hours and are expected to be brief. The capital city, Hyderabad, may see isolated showers from the afternoon into the evening.

Meteorologist KS Sridhar, speaking to NewsMeter, said, “These are short-duration showers and residents should not be alarmed, but do remain alert for any gusty winds or sudden changes.”

Meteorological analysis

As of 08:30 am on Tuesday, a low-pressure area formed over the South Andaman Sea and adjoining SE Bay of Bengal at around 5:30 am, as a result of a surface cyclonic circulation that persisted since yesterday.

This low-pressure area further strengthened into a deep depression by 8:30 am and is situated over the same region. The associated cyclonic circulation extends to an altitude of about 7.6 km above mean sea level.

This system is expected to move west-northwestwards over the next 24 hours, strengthening further into a depression and making landfall over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and south coast of north Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh by tomorrow afternoon.

Subsequently, it is likely to track west-south-westwards towards north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh. The cyclonic circulation is currently located at about 5.8 km altitude.

These atmospheric dynamics are influencing moisture flows into Telangana, raising the chance of brief rain and thunderstorms across the state.

Forecast: Next 3 days in Telangana

Today (21 Oct):

• Most districts of the state are likely to experience light to moderate rain at isolated places.

• In the districts listed above, brief showers may occur in the next two hours.

• Hyderabad may see isolated showers from later afternoon into the evening.

Tomorrow (22 Oct):

• Continued possibility of light to moderate rain in many districts.

• A few places may see heavier bursts due to the incoming depression and moisture influx.

Day after tomorrow (23 Oct):

• Rain activity is likely to taper off gradually, but isolated showers and thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, especially in western and southern districts.

Weather warnings

• Heavy rain is likely at isolated places in some districts today and tomorrow.

• Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 km/h, are likely at isolated places today, tomorrow and in a few districts on the third day.

• The public is advised to secure loose outdoor items, avoid open fields during thunderstorms, and stay alert to sudden weather changes.

Sridhar commented: “Although the rainfall forecast is not widespread or long-lasting, the dynamics from the offshore deep depression mean we must watch for sudden showers and gusts. Urban areas like Hyderabad are especially vulnerable to short but intense spells.”

Key messages for residents

• Expect brief showers in many districts, with a possibility of heavier bursts in isolated locations.

• Hyderabad residents should carry an umbrella or raincoat from the afternoon onwards.

• Avoid standing under large trees or in open fields during thunderstorms.

• Monitor local media, radio or the Telangana Met Department’s website for updates.

• In case of strong winds or heavy rain, avoid low-lying areas prone to waterlogging and keep mobile phones charged for emergency alerts.