April 2025 saw an unsettling rise in temperatures across Telangana, with many districts experiencing heat far beyond typical seasonal patterns. Temperatures in the state surged past 44°C, an alarming increase from the usual maximums, which historically hovered just below 42°C.
More concerning, however, is the consistent deviation in multiple districts, where temperatures rose by up to 2.5°C above their historical norms. This shift is being described by meteorologists as indicative of a larger, more troubling climate transformation, one that is not a mere anomaly but a sign of enduring changes in the region’s weather system.
Kumuram Bheem Asifabad and Adilabad recorded average maximum temperatures of 42.9°C, well above their respective usual maximums of 40.4°C and 41.1°C. Similarly, other districts, including Karimnagar and Kamareddy, saw temperature deviations exceeding 2°C, raising red flags about the widespread nature of the climate shifts. Even traditionally cooler areas, such as Medak and Sangareddy, experienced higher-than-average temperatures, underscoring the far-reaching impacts of these shifts. Across 33 districts in the state, more than 20 recorded temperature increases of over 1°C, further evidence that Telangana’s temperature patterns are undergoing significant changes.
Experts attribute this sharp rise in temperatures to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. A primary driver is the ongoing changes in weather patterns since 2021, marked by dry northwesterly winds, loss of forest cover, and the rapid expansion of urban areas. The dry winds from the northwest have significantly contributed to the increase in heat by pushing hot air into Telangana while simultaneously reducing atmospheric moisture. Additionally, experts point to the depletion of Telangana’s forest cover, which declined from 18,561.98 square kilometres in 2021 to 18,456.11 square kilometres in 2023. While this may appear to be a marginal loss, environmentalists argue that the depletion of green spaces, particularly near urban zones, has far-reaching consequences for local temperature regulation.
Urbanisation, especially in cities like Hyderabad, has exacerbated these rising temperatures. The rapid growth in commercial built-up areas—50.7 million square feet between 2010 and 2014, and an additional 100.44 million square feet from 2015 to 2019—has led to more heat-retaining concrete surfaces, contributing to the urban heat island effect. In essence, the transformation of natural landscapes into concrete jungles not only traps heat but also prevents the cooling effects that green spaces naturally provide. As a result, cities like Hyderabad are experiencing increasingly hotter days and nights, with minimal cooling during the evening hours. Hyderabad’s land surface temperature (LST) is rising at a rate of 0.75°C per decade, a concerning figure that positions the city among the top 10 urban centres in India for escalating temperatures. This rate is comparable to cities like Delhi, Pune, and Bengaluru, which have also been experiencing similar trends in rising LST. The phenomenon of urban heat islands—where urban areas absorb and re-emit heat more than surrounding natural landscapes—has been widely documented. Such conditions not only raise temperatures but also disrupt rainfall patterns and contribute to worsening pollution levels.
Experts are increasingly alarmed at how this rise in temperature is affecting both rural and urban areas alike. What’s most troubling is that even historically moderate zones like Rangareddy, Vikarabad, and parts of Hyderabad are now witnessing higher-than-usual temperatures, a sign that the shifting climate is impacting the region uniformly. This reflects a larger shift in the local climate that could have profound implications for agriculture, public health, and ecological balance if left unaddressed.
In order to mitigate these dangerous trends, experts stress the need for immediate action to enhance green cover, implement sustainable urban planning practices, and focus on climate adaptation strategies. If these issues are not tackled head-on, Telangana could face a new normal of extreme summer temperatures that threaten not only the environment but the wellbeing of its population. It is imperative that the state not only recognises these changes but also acts decisively to adapt to and counteract the accelerating impacts of climate change.
Also Read :https://urbanacres.in/delhi-temperatures-breach-43-degree-mark/
Telanganas Extreme Heatwave Warns of Unprecedented Climate Shifts Across Region
