Telangana is currently experiencing an extraordinary period of sustained heavy rainfall, with the monsoon season (June to September) marking its sixth consecutive year of above-average downpours. This year, the southwest monsoon delivered a remarkable 98.8 cm of rain, a substantial 33% increase over the usual levels and even surpassing previous years’ high totals, according to experts at the Telangana Development Planning Society (TGPS).
This consistent trend highlights a dramatic shift: 2024 saw rainfall 30% above average, 2023 was 17% higher, and 2022 recorded an astounding 50% surplus. Even 2021 and 2020 experienced significant excesses of 36% and 44% respectively. Interestingly, the difference between 2024’s 96.3 cm and this year’s total is a mere 3%, reinforcing the ongoing deluge.
Senior weather consultant Y.V. Rama Rao observed, “We are witnessing a clear increase in rainfall across Telangana, a region historically known for its dry, arid climate.” He suggested this could indicate a significant decadal shift in weather patterns. “What’s undeniable,” he added, “is the regular occurrence of extreme rainfall events, where a single day’s precipitation can match the average for half a month or even an entire month. This heavy rainfall has been consistent throughout the state.”
To put this into perspective, Telangana’s average annual rainfall typically hovers around 92.4 cm, with the southwest monsoon usually contributing about 74 cm. This year, after a 20% deficit in June, July brought a 5% surplus. However, August witnessed a staggering 75% excess, followed by a 16% surplus in September. The capital region, under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), was particularly affected, recording approximately 90 cm of rain — 41% above its normal 64 cm — resulting in extensive flooding.
While a handful of districts—Jangaon, Bhadradri-Kothagudem, Mahabubabad, Rajanna-Sircilla, Jayashankar-Bhupalapally, Mancherial, Hanumakonda, Jagtial, and Peddapalli—received normal rainfall, the vast majority of the state experienced either ‘excess’ or ‘large excess’ precipitation, underscoring the widespread nature of this phenomenon.
During an exclusive interview, Mr. Rao indicated that the intense two-month-long spell of heavy rainfall is nearing its end, as the southwest monsoon has already commenced its retreat from northern India. He explained, “Although a low-pressure area exists in the Bay of Bengal, its northward trajectory means it’s improbable to have a significant effect on Telangana. With no other major weather systems currently forming, we anticipate only occasional light showers rather than substantial rainfall in the immediate future.”
The monsoon is projected to fully withdraw from Telangana around October 15, with the process beginning within the next week. This transition will usher in the northeast monsoon, which primarily affects states like Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, but historically has minimal influence on Telangana’s weather.