Telangana has recorded a 95% rainfall deficit in October through October 21, receiving just 3.5 mm against the normal 75.6 mm for the period, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Twelve districts recorded no rainfall, raising concerns over crop prospects, soil moisture and water availability across the state.
The rainfall shortage has affected all 33 districts. While 12 districts received no rain during the first 21 days of October, the remaining 21 districts also reported large deficits, the IMD data showed.
The districts with no recorded rainfall were Hanumakonda, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Jagtial, Karimnagar, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Mancherial, Medak, Nizamabad, Peddapalli, Rajanna Sircilla, Sangareddy and Siddipet.
Hyderabad received only 2.8 mm of rain between October 1 and 21, compared with its October normal of about 114 mm based on the IMD’s 1991-2020 climatological averages. This represents a 97% deficit. The city’s long-term October rainfall normal is recorded at 113.9 mm.
Several districts that received some precipitation also recorded severe shortfalls. Adilabad received 1.5 mm against a normal of 69.3 mm, a deficit of 98%, while Nalgonda recorded 1.3 mm against a normal of 82.9 mm, also a 98% deficit. Jangaon received 1.9 mm against a normal of 74.6 mm, and Rangareddy recorded 4.5 mm against a normal of 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 a normal of 94.6 mm, while Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri received 13 mm against a normal of 84.6 mm. Both districts recorded deficits of 85%. Nagarkurnool received 10.6 mm against its normal of 80 mm.
The shortfall comes during a transition period between the southwest and northeast monsoons, when rainfall is largely dependent on post-monsoon weather systems. October is typically one of Telangana’s wetter months, making the current deficit particularly significant for agricultural and water planning.
Officials are assessing the possible effect of El Niño on rainfall patterns and agriculture. Prolonged dry conditions could affect soil moisture, crop planning and water availability in several parts of the state, according to concerns cited in the report.
Telangana’s rainfall pattern has historically varied sharply. Hyderabad recorded 400.7 mm in October 2020, while the city received only 37.1 mm in October 2016. With only a few days remaining in the month, the state would need substantial rainfall to significantly reduce the deficit, the report said.
