Despite Heavy Rain Alert, Twin Cities Remain Largely Dry

Hyderabad: After days of alerts and warnings of a heavy spell, Hyderabad received only scattered showers until Thursday evening. Forecasts from HYDRAA, the IMD and independent trackers had predicted widespread rain, prompting half-days for schools and alerts in various departments. However, the city largely remained dry.

Hyderabad recorded 2 to 14 mm of rain, with Tolichowki Dalith Bhavan logging the highest at 14 mm, followed by Bandlaguda at 2.5 mm. Several other areas, including parts of Shaikpet, saw only 2 mm. In contrast, districts like Mahabubabad and Nizamabad reported over 100 mm.

The IMD and local trackers noted that a low-pressure area (LPA) had moved northwest, delivering heavy rain to southern Telangana while sparing Hyderabad.

“We have not yet reached a stage where any weather model can predict conditions accurately several days in advance,” Rajani Weathers wrote on X. “Even after careful tracking and interpretation of multiple models, reality can differ significantly.” He added that slight deviations in system paths can drastically change rainfall patterns.

The IMD’s local unit maintained that conditions for moderate to heavy rain existed, though convective activity was stronger in southern districts. HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath had warned on Tuesday of possible water pooling, traffic disruption and gusty winds over the following 48 hours, while clarifying that forecasts can change depending on how systems evolve.

Some city residents expressed surprise online. One wrote, “My area is still bone dry,” while another posted, “Biggest scam Hyderabad rains today.” Similar reactions have occurred during previous forecasts when large-scale systems underperformed locally.

Despite minimal local rainfall, Himayatsagar saw nine gates opened to four feet by 9 pm, with 2.697 TMC, taking in 4,600 cusecs and releasing 11,733 cusecs. Osmansagar remained below its full level of 1,790 ft but was prepared for additional inflow. The Musi was in spate, forcing the closure of the Moosarambagh bridge. Traffic was diverted via Golnaka, with flooding reported near the dhobi ghats and nearby slums.

GHMC disaster response teams evacuated 307 residents from low-lying areas in Malakpet, Rajendranagar and Goshamahal due to rising water from Himayatsagar. Heavy water flow was also reported on the ORR service road at Exit 17 downstream of the reservoir. Meanwhile, heavy rains damaged the Hyderabad–Bangalore Highway near Boothpur–Jadcherla, disrupting traffic.

The IMD forecast generally cloudy skies with light rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds of 30–40 kmph in Hyderabad on August 15. Widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in districts including Nizamabad, Mulugu and Mahbubabad.