Heatwave Grips Telangana, Temperatures to Rise for 6 More Days

Hyderabad: Telangana is witnessing intense heatwave conditions, with temperatures soaring affecting daily life across several districts.

Meteorological experts have warned that temperatures are likely to increase further over the next six days. Heatwave conditions were recorded in multiple districts on Wednesday and Thursday, prompting the state government to go on high alert and issue directions for immediate relief measures.

Special Chief Secretary of Disaster Management M. Dana Kishore has issued orders designating district collectors as nodal officers and directing all departments—including medical, revenue, municipal, fire services, and labour—to implement heat mitigation measures.

Officials said more than 10 people have reportedly died in undivided Khammam, Warangal, Nalgonda, and Nizamabad districts due to heatwave-related illnesses over the past five days.

Authorities have been instructed to identify high-temperature zones and set up cooling centres, shade structures, and drinking water facilities in bus stations and crowded areas. Distribution of ORS packets and ice packs has also been directed.

Schools in affected regions may shorten working hours or suspend classes if necessary, while ensuring “water breaks” for students.

People have been advised to avoid outdoor exposure between 11 am and 3:30 pm, stay hydrated, and take precautions such as using head coverings and sunglasses.

Heatwave-hit areas will be classified as red alert zones after two consecutive days of extreme temperatures, requiring intensified government response.

On Thursday, Dharmapuri in Jagtial district recorded the highest temperature in the state at 44.4°C, marking the highest so far this year. Temperatures crossed 44°C in at least nine districts, including Adilabad, Asifabad, Mancherial, Nalgonda, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Karimnagar, and Siddipet.

The weather department also warned of possible sudden thunderstorms due to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. Light to moderate rain with hail is likely in several districts between April 19 and 20, including Jagtial, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Medak, and others.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as extreme heat conditions persist across the state.