Hyderabad: Telangana could well be experiencing its hottest summer in the last seven years, with weathermen predicting temperatures to touch 48° Celsius this time. The last highest temperature recorded in the state was in 2017, when the mercury levels touched 47°C on several occasions. The average maximum temperatures in the other years — during this period — hovered between 43°C and 46°C.
In 2025, experts say, March and April will be particularly critical. “The northwestern winds are at their peak right now. We are experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures in Feb, but it is March that will be the real challenge. We expect temperatures to rise well above the usual range of 42°C to 44°C,” said Mahesh Palawat, senior scientist from Skymet.
The India Meteorological Department has also noted that Telangana’s climate, characterised by its semi-arid and dry conditions, is showing signs of shifting beyond established norms. “Summers, which set in around March and peak in May, traditionally see maximum temperatures ranging from 42°C to 44°C. However, in recent years, we have observed a steady deviation from these patterns, with temperatures frequently climbing higher than historical averages. This year, we are also witnessing an early onset of summer,” said IMD official.
Typically, Telangana transitions smoothly from the mild winter season into the warmer months, with Feb being marked by pleasant weather. However, this year has been different. Data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS) shows that in Feb alone, 22 districts recorded temperatures exceeding 37°C. The remaining districts were not far behind. “There is a marked decrease in humidity levels this time, which is contributing to the increase in temperatures.,” said YR Rao, an official from TSDPS.
Changes due to El Niño
Some experts attribute these changes to El Niño events, which involve the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, often leading to disruptions in global weather systems.
“In Telangana, this typically results in reduced rainfall and heightened temperatures during the summer. Additionally, rapid urbanisation has led to the Urban Heat Island effect, further exacerbating the problem. Urban areas absorb and retain more heat, leading to consistently higher temperatures,” said Thulsi K, an urban ecology expert.
In 2025, experts say, March and April will be particularly critical. “The northwestern winds are at their peak right now. We are experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures in Feb, but it is March that will be the real challenge. We expect temperatures to rise well above the usual range of 42°C to 44°C,” said Mahesh Palawat, senior scientist from Skymet.
The India Meteorological Department has also noted that Telangana’s climate, characterised by its semi-arid and dry conditions, is showing signs of shifting beyond established norms. “Summers, which set in around March and peak in May, traditionally see maximum temperatures ranging from 42°C to 44°C. However, in recent years, we have observed a steady deviation from these patterns, with temperatures frequently climbing higher than historical averages. This year, we are also witnessing an early onset of summer,” said IMD official.
Typically, Telangana transitions smoothly from the mild winter season into the warmer months, with Feb being marked by pleasant weather. However, this year has been different. Data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS) shows that in Feb alone, 22 districts recorded temperatures exceeding 37°C. The remaining districts were not far behind. “There is a marked decrease in humidity levels this time, which is contributing to the increase in temperatures.,” said YR Rao, an official from TSDPS.
Changes due to El Niño
Some experts attribute these changes to El Niño events, which involve the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, often leading to disruptions in global weather systems.
“In Telangana, this typically results in reduced rainfall and heightened temperatures during the summer. Additionally, rapid urbanisation has led to the Urban Heat Island effect, further exacerbating the problem. Urban areas absorb and retain more heat, leading to consistently higher temperatures,” said Thulsi K, an urban ecology expert.
