Less rain puts Telangana in deficit mode, August's hopes dashed

HYDERABAD: July, which is a crucial month for the monsoon in Telangana, was mostly dry this year. Rainfall was scanty and there were very few rainy days, but there was a rise in maximum temperatures. This has drastically brought down the average rainfall figures for the state, putting it in the negative zone. Of the 10 districts where rain gauges are located, data shows that Hyderabad, Warangal and Khammam districts are presently running a surplus but by a very small margin. Districts in the rest of the state show a deficit, particularly Adilabad and Nizamabad.

The southwest monsoon currents have been weak over the state in July with isolated and occasional rainfall. There has been no depression in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea to strengthen the currents. IMD director Y.K. Reddy said there is no particular reason for this as every monsoon is unique. “The average rainfall can vary; the state could make it up in the next two months.” The forecast for the first seven days of August is light to moderate rain or thunderstorm very likely to occur at isolated places over Telangana. There is no big change expected in the days ahead. Hyderabad will have a dry week. Generally cloudy skies with light rain and no indication of heavy rainfall is the forecast.