Telangana heatwave: Mercury hits 46°C in 12 districts, relief in 5 days
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A severe heatwave gripped large parts of Telangana on Sunday, 3 May, with the maximum temperature touching 46 degrees Celsius in Nizamabad — the hottest recorded point in the state that day. At least 12 districts logged temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, far exceeding the seasonal normal of 41.3 degrees Celsius, according to data from the Telangana Development Planning Society (TDPS).
District-Wise Temperature Readings
Nizamabad led the heat chart at 46°C, followed closely by Nalgonda, Nirmal, and Siddipet at 45.9°C. Adilabad and Peddapalli recorded 45.8°C, while Kamareddy and Kumuram Bheem logged 45.7°C.
Jagtial and Khammam saw maximums of 45.6°C, Suryapet at 45.5°C, and Mancherial at 45.1°C. Barring Hyderabad — which recorded the state's lowest maximum at 42.5°C — every district reported temperatures above 42.6°C. Heatwave conditions prevailed across 26 mandals (administrative blocks), per TDPS data.
Storm Warning Alongside the Heat
In a contrasting development, the Meteorological Centre, Hyderabad, has issued a thunderstorm warning for Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mahabubabad, and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts, with hailstorms likely to accompany the thunderstorms. Surface wind speeds of 40–50 kmph with lightning have been forecast for these areas.
Districts including Khammam, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Siddipet, Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mancherial, and Kumuram Bheem Asifabad are likely to experience light thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at isolated places across Telangana over the next week.
When Will Temperatures Ease
According to the Meteorological Centre, no significant change in maximum temperatures is expected over the next two days. However, a gradual fall of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is forecast over the three days thereafter, offering some relief to residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has separately noted that some regions may see above-normal temperatures in the near term.
Authorities Urge Caution, Not Panic
State authorities have urged residents not to panic, emphasising that May heat of this nature can be managed with awareness and basic precautions. Officials advised people to avoid outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and monitor vulnerable family members including the elderly and children. This comes amid a broader pattern of intensifying pre-monsoon heat across peninsular India, with Telangana among the states most exposed to extreme thermal conditions in the April–June window.