Rapid urbanization, rising temperatures triggering cloudbursts in cities: HYDRAA boss Ranganath
Ranganath noted that temperatures in Hyderabad’s core city areas are 3–5°C higher than in surrounding suburbs
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
File Photo
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner AV Ranganath today said rapid urbanization, rising temperatures, and climate change are triggering frequent cloudbursts and mini cloudbursts in cities.
Ranganath said the phenomenon of “urban heat islands”—where core city areas experience significantly higher temperatures compared to suburban regions—is a key reason behind sudden evening downpours.
Rising heat in core areas
Explaining the trend, Ranganath noted that temperatures in Hyderabad’s core city areas are 3–5°C higher than in surrounding suburbs. This heat builds up atmospheric moisture. Combined with pollution, it leads to condensation and sudden cloudbursts.
Cloudbursts on the rise
Hyderabad itself has been witnessing cloudbursts and mini cloudbursts during this monsoon season, he said. These events often occur in the evenings and are characterised by short, intense spells of rain. He added that urban areas receive more rainfall than rural regions due to the heat island effect.
Urban Flooding: A Growing Concern
The commissioner highlighted that urban flooding is a critical issue that needs urgent attention. “Nearly 70% of lakes in Hyderabad have vanished, and most stormwater drains have lost connectivity,” he said. Restoration of water bodies, revival of nalas, and preservation of parks are now key priorities to manage flood risks effectively.
Cooling the City, Protecting the Future
Ranganath emphasised that lake and park rejuvenation can help reduce urban heat and mitigate extreme weather impacts. “We are focusing on conserving water resources not just for flood control, but also to create a cooler, sustainable environment for the next generation,” he added.
Hyderabad Records ~109 mm Rainfall in Sept
The estimated total rainfall in Hyderabad city from 1 to 23 September 2025 is approximately 109 mm, with likely totals ranging between 109 mm and 140 mm, based on IMD weekly reports, the IMD observation on 22 September, GHMC station data, and third-party aggregators.
What is a Cloudburst?
A cloudburst is an extreme weather event where a large amount of rainfall occurs in a very short period of time, usually over a small area. This sudden downpour can lead to flash floods, landslides, and severe waterlogging in urban areas.
Key characteristics of a cloudburst:
1. Intensity: Rainfall typically exceeds 100 mm (about 4 inches) within an hour, though definitions can vary.
2. Duration: Very short — often just a few minutes to a few hours.
3. Localized: Usually affects a small geographic area.
4. Causes: Often linked to thunderstorms, rapid condensation in clouds, or orographic lift (air rising over mountains).
Effects:
Flash floods in hilly and urban areas.
Damage to property, roads, and crops.
Risk to human life, especially in flood-prone zones.
