Southwest monsoon ends: Telangana receives 26% surplus rainfall; Warangal, Jangaon face deficit

Hyderabad: The southwest monsoon has officially ended in Telangana.

While several districts recorded above-normal precipitation, others faced rain deficit, highlighting the erratic nature of this year’s monsoon.

Monsoon Recap: Statewide Rainfall Patterns

According to data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS), the state received an average rainfall of 1022.8 mm, well above the normal 813.5 mm, marking a 26% increase.

Out of Telangana’s districts, 22 experienced “excess” rainfall, with Vikarabad leading the charts at 11.3 mm recorded on the last day of the season and a cumulative 1109.9 mm since the season’s start.

Komaram Bheem, Nirmal, and Peddapalli districts also received substantial rainfall, helping these regions close the season on a positive note.

However, Warangal, Jangaon, and Kamareddy were less fortunate, facing significant shortfalls. Warangal recorded only 1.6 mm of rain, a 100% deviation from expected figures, largely due to the unpredictable monsoon patterns. These districts recorded up to 40% deficits compared to their normal rainfall levels.

Hyderabad’s Wettest Monsoon in Recent Years

Hyderabad saw a particularly wet season, with a total rainfall of 876.8 mm, surpassing its normal of 709.3 mm by 285%.

The city recorded its highest rainfall towards the end of the season, with five mm on the final day.

Despite the overall abundance, rainfall distribution across different localities varied widely. While areas like Shaikpet and Ameerpet saw near-normal rain, localities such as Maredpally and Musheerabad experienced significant excess, with deviations of 1050% and 1230%, respectively.

This led to waterlogging and traffic issues in several parts of the city.

District Highlights: Gains and Losses

Districts like Khammam and Nalgonda benefitted from heavy rains, especially crucial for the agricultural sector. Nalgonda, which recorded 1300 mm of rainfall against the usual 964 mm, saw a notable boost to its farming prospects.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad’s Khairatabad and Nampally localities topped the city’s rainfall charts, with 948 mm and 947.1 mm, respectively. Conversely, Trimulgherry ended the season with a deficit, recording only 506.9 mm against its expected 636.7 mm.

Weekly Fluctuations: A Season of Highs and Lows

Hyderabad experienced weekly fluctuations in rainfall patterns. The monsoon began strong in June, with rainfall deviations reaching as high as 116%. However, the city saw sharp declines in July, with deficits of up to 97% in certain weeks.

The season regained momentum in August, peaking at 196% above normal mid-month. By September, the weather turned erratic once again, with surges of 210% in some weeks, followed by a decline of -81% in others.

Experts Predict Winter Rains

With the southwest monsoon officially receding, Hyderabad looks forward to the post-monsoon season from October to December. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects normal rainfall during October, with light thunderstorms predicted in the second week.

A scientist at IMD-Hyderabad, commented, “The city is expected to experience normal rainfall during October, with more showers likely towards the end of the month.”

Local weather expert T Balaji popularly known as Telangana Weatherman provided further insights, stating, “Yesterday marked the farewell rain spell for Hyderabad. The next week will be mostly dry, with only isolated rains in 1 or 2 areas. Winter rains, expected between October 29 and November 2, are generally scattered and not as strong as monsoon rains.”

As Hyderabad transitions into the drier winter months, these rains will offer brief relief before the city settles into its next seasonal phase.