HYDERABAD: While most of India received below normal rainfall this southwest monsoon,
Telangana got near normal seasonal rainfall at 742.4 mm, just 2% lower than the seasonal average of 759.2 mm. In its southwest monsoon conclusion report, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Hyderabad, said on Monday that Telangana received 98% of the seasonal average rainfall this year.
While monsoon made a thumping entry into the state in June this year with 25% excess rainfall, there was an 18% deficit in July, 33% excess rainfall in August and 50% deficit rainfall in September. “In all, one low pressure system in June, three low pressure systems in July, four in August and two in September caused most of the good rainfall regimes,” said YK Reddy, director, IMD, Hyderabad.
The seasonal rainfall this year was comparatively better than last year, which saw the state receive 13% deficit rainfall. Although the state witnessed normal rainfall this season, its progress soon became sluggish with 14 districts, including Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Sangareddy, Vikarabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Medak, receiving deficient seasonal rainfall.
According to the Telangana State Development Planning Society, only two districts — Adilabad and Peddapalli — received excess rainfall and 15 districts received normal rainfall.
Moving forward, meteorologists predict that the northeast monsoon will soon make its entry in the state. “The normal date of withdrawal of southwest monsoon in Telangana is October 15. In coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, the southwest monsoon turns into northeast monsoon after October 15,” said Reddy.
Private weather forecasting agencies predict that scattered rains will continue to lash Telangana. “Now, southwest monsoon has come to an end and we expect scattered rains over coastal AP and Telangana for the next 48 hours. Rain intensity and spread will decrease significantly over these states after 48 hours as a cyclonic circulation is forming over southeast Arabian Sea, which will gradually intensify into a low-pressure-area and subsequently into a depression,” read the weather report issued by Skymet on Monday.
With reduction in rains, weathermen further predict that dry weather conditions shall prevail over the two states in the coming days. Temperatures are also expected to rise, leading to uneasy weather conditions during day time.
In fact, October started on a warm note in the city with maximum temperature touching 33.7 Degree Celsius on Monday, which is just below last year’s recorded highest maximum temperature during October of 33.8 degree Celsius. After two years, October is expected to be warmer, with the mercury level expected to rise to 34 degree Celsius in the next few days, predict IMD, Hyderabad officials.
File photo of Hyderabad rains
