Telangana has recorded a 95% rainfall deficit in October up to October 21, receiving only 3.5 mm against the normal 75.6 mm, according to India Meteorological Department data reported by the Times of India. Twelve districts recorded no rainfall during the period, raising concerns over soil moisture, crop prospects and water availability across the state.
The shortfall has been widespread. The remaining 21 districts also reported large deficits, with even areas that received some rain recording substantially lower-than-normal precipitation. October is typically an important rainfall month in Telangana as the state moves from the southwest monsoon towards the northeast monsoon season.
Hyderabad recorded 2.8 mm of rain between October 1 and 21, compared with its October normal of about 114 mm based on IMD’s 1991-2020 climatological averages. This represents a 97% deficit for the city. The rainfall gap affects not only agricultural areas around the metropolitan region but also the timing of soil recharge and the wider management of water resources.
The districts that recorded no rainfall were Hanamkonda, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Jagtial, Karimnagar, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Mancherial, Medak, Nizamabad, Peddapalli, Rajanna Sircilla, Sangareddy and Siddipet.
Among districts that received some rain, Adilabad recorded 1.5 mm against a normal 69.3 mm, a deficit of 98%. Nalgonda received 1.3 mm against 82.9 mm, also a 98% deficit. Jangaon recorded 1.9 mm against 74.6 mm, while Rangareddy received 4.5 mm against a normal 83.7 mm.
Wanaparthy recorded the highest rainfall among the districts at 17.7 mm, but this was still 78% below its normal of 82.1 mm. Khammam received 13.8 mm against 94.6 mm, and Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri recorded 13 mm against 84.6 mm; both districts registered deficits of 85%. Nagarkurnool received 10.6 mm compared with its normal of 80 mm.
Officials are assessing the possible impact of El Niño on rainfall patterns and agriculture, the report said. Prolonged dry conditions could affect soil moisture, crop planning and water availability in several regions. The implications extend to urban centres because weak rainfall during the post-monsoon transition can affect local recharge conditions and increase pressure on water-management systems if dry conditions persist.
Hyderabad’s long-term October rainfall normal is 113.9 mm, although the city has experienced wide year-to-year variation. It received a record 400.7 mm in October 2020, while October 2016 produced only 37.1 mm. With only a few days remaining in the month, Telangana would need substantial rainfall to significantly reduce the current deficit.
