Winter logs in: Minimum temperature dips in Telangana parts: Adilabad records lowest of 17.4°C

Hyderabad: Come November, Telangana experiences colder nights as minimum temperatures drop sharply across districts.

According to the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS), Adilabad recorded the lowest average minimum temperature in the state at 17.4°C, while other northern districts such as Kumaram Bheem (18.7°C), Sangareddy (18.3°C), Rajanna Sircilla (18.8°C), and Medak (18.2°C) also reported significant drops.

Further Drop Expected Over the Weekend

Forecast data from TSDPS suggests that the mercury may dip further in the coming days. By the weekend, Adilabad could see a minimum of 11.2°C, Kumaram Bheem 9.4°C, and Mancherial 9.9°C, placing these areas under the “cold wave watch” category.

Most central and northern districts are expected to record night temperatures between 11°C and 14°C, while southern parts, including Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Khammam, may range between 13°C and 15°C.

Hyderabad Sees Early Signs of Winter

In the capital, Hyderabad recorded a minimum temperature of 21.5°C, marking the onset of cooler nights. Within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, Serilingampally was the coolest zone at 17.4°C, while Jubilee Hills and Khairatabad remained warmer at 20.5°C.

Suburban areas such as Ramachandrapuram, Kukatpally, and LB Nagar are forecast to experience further cooling, with temperatures expected to fall to 13–14°C over the next few days.

Clear Skies and Dry Winds Driving Cooling Trend

Weather officials attributed the temperature fall to clear skies and dry northwesterly winds. “Clear skies and dry winds from the north are aiding the temperature drop, and the chill is expected to intensify until mid-November,” said meteorologist K. S. Sridhar speaking to Newsmeter.

Moisture Delaying Sharp Cooling

Scientists said the full onset of winter chill is yet to occur due to residual atmospheric moisture following this year’s prolonged rains.

“The prolonged monsoon has left the ground and lower atmosphere unusually moist, which is slowing the usual cooling process after rains. Once this residual moisture begins to fade, we can expect a more pronounced dip in night temperatures across northern Telangana,” said Sridhar.

He explained that humidity in the lower layers of the atmosphere acts as a blanket, trapping heat near the surface at night. “This is typical after a wet monsoon. As the air dries out and skies remain clear, heat escapes more quickly, leading to sudden cooling,” he added.

Northern Telangana to Remain Coldest

Climatological data from IMD indicates that minimum temperatures across Telangana will range between 15°C and 20°C from late November, occasionally dipping below 15°C under clear sky conditions.

“Northern districts such as Adilabad, Medak, Kamareddy, and Nizamabad are expected to be the coldest, owing to clearer skies, stronger night winds, and open terrain,” Sridhar noted. Central and southern districts are likely to see milder declines.

Moisture Effect Typical Across Deccan Plateau

According to TSDPS, heavy late-monsoon rainfall has contributed to the current pattern. “Across the Deccan Plateau, late rainfall tends to intensify cooling once the air dries, as clear nights accelerate ground heat loss,” a TSDPS climatologist explained.

Winter Outlook and Global Trends

While global models had earlier indicated a potential shift towards La Niña conditions later this year, IMD has not confirmed its development or linked it to Telangana’s winter trends. The department expects the peak winter phase between the third week of December and the third week of January, when fog and mist formation typically become frequent.

Telangana generally remains outside the influence of the northeast monsoon. Sridhar said, “Any November–December rainfall over Telangana depends on cyclonic systems along the Andhra coast, not on seasonal monsoon flow.”

Cooling Trend to Continue

IMD forecasts routine temperature patterns over the coming week, with a more noticeable cooling trend expected by the third or fourth week of November, as winds strengthen and humidity reduces.