Hyderabad: Telangana experienced its hottest day of the year on Thursday, with temperatures reaching a sweltering 47.2°C in Mancherial. This marks the highest temperature recorded in the state so far in 2024.
Bhadradri Kothagudem followed closely with a peak of 47.1°C, while Peddapalli recorded 46.7°C. Other districts, including Asifabad and Khammam, also faced extreme heat, registering temperatures of 46.6°C and 46.5°C, respectively. Across Telangana, fourteen districts saw temperatures soar past 45°C, indicating widespread heatwave conditions. In the capital city, Hyderabad, the heat was also intense. Medchal-Malkajgiri district reached a peak of 43.3°C, Hyderabad itself hit 43°C, and Rangareddy district noted 42.4°C.
Within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, Uppal recorded the highest temperature at 43.3°C. Malkapet, Kapra, and Moosapet each reached 43°C. Secunderabad, Yousufguda, and other areas in the city experienced temperatures of 42.9°C, 42.8°C, and 42.7°C, respectively. This extreme heatwave has significant implications for public health, infrastructure, and daily life in the state. Authorities have issued advisories urging residents to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. These include staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and seeking cool, shaded environments.
The high temperatures also pose challenges for the state’s power grid, as the demand for electricity surges with increased use of air conditioning and cooling systems. Water resources are similarly strained, with higher evaporation rates and increased consumption.
Agricultural sectors are particularly vulnerable, with crops at risk of heat stress. Farmers are advised to take protective measures to shield their crops from the extreme heat, including using shading nets and ensuring adequate irrigation. The rising temperatures in Telangana are part of a broader pattern of increasing heatwaves across India, attributed to climate change. These conditions underscore the urgency of implementing effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Urban planning must incorporate heat-resilient infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens on coping strategies during extreme heat events.
As Telangana continues to grapple with these unprecedented temperatures, it is crucial for both government authorities and the public to collaborate in managing the impacts of the heatwave. Proactive measures and community resilience will be key to navigating the challenges posed by such extreme weather conditions.
