As the calendar flips to March, Hyderabad finds itself engulfed in the relentless heat of the sun, with temperatures edging towards a blistering 40 degrees Celsius. Residents of the city are gearing up for what promises to be a challenging summer, shielding themselves from the scorching rays and seeking respite in refreshing summer beverages and fruits available at roadside stalls.
Begumpet took the brunt of the heat on Saturday, registering the city’s highest temperature at a scorching 38.6 degrees Celsius. Saroornagar followed closely behind, recording a sweltering 38.3 degrees Celsius. Other areas such as Karwan, Kapra, Goshamahal, Jubilee Hills, Yousufguda, Serilingampally, Moosapet, and Quthbullahpur also experienced temperatures surpassing 37 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for Telangana, including Hyderabad, predicting above-normal temperatures throughout the summer months from March to May. The IMD’s Outlook for Seasonal Temperatures During the Hot Weather Season warns of increasingly uncomfortable days and nights ahead, with temperatures expected to soar beyond the usual averages.
March is poised to usher in above-normal temperatures across the state, with most districts in Telangana expected to grapple with heatwave conditions for three to four consecutive days. As the season progresses, the IMD anticipates a surge in the frequency of heatwaves, with over 10 to 15 days forecasted to surpass the heatwave threshold by May.
In addition to the relentless heat, sporadic rainfall is also anticipated for March, according to the IMD. Over the next five days, Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana can expect a gradual increase in maximum temperatures.
The Telangana State Development Planning Society highlights the state’s high vulnerability to heatwaves, with 582 out of 585 mandals identified as vulnerable.
Historical data underscores a concerning trend: from 1986 to 1993, heatwaves in the State were primarily moderate, lasting 7 to 13 days. However, from 1994 onwards, the frequency and duration of severe heatwaves have escalated significantly. In 1997 and 1998, heatwave spells endured for up to 19 days, indicating a worrisome shift towards more severe heatwaves in the region.
Here are the maximum temperatures recorded on Saturday:
- Begumpet: 38.6 degrees Celsius
- Saroornagar: 38.3 degrees Celsius
- Karwan: 37.7 degrees Celsius
- Moosapet: 37.6 degrees Celsius
- Jubilee Hills: 37.6 degrees Celsius
Max temperatures in districts on Saturday:
- Nirmal: 39 degrees Celsius
- Karimnagar: 39 degrees Celsius
- Nalgonda: 38.9 degrees Celsius
- Jayashankar Bhupalpally: 38.8 degrees Celsius
- Adilabad: 38.7 degrees Celsius
Rishi