Several districts in Telangana have been placed under a yellow alert as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for sudden weather changes marked by isolated rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.
On April 22, 2025, the weather bureau flagged eight districts—Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mahabubabad, Nagarkurnool, Narayanpet, and Jogulamba Gadwal—for potential weather disturbances, urging both residents and farmers to exercise caution. Officials from the IMD stated that mild to moderate rainfall, accompanied by lightning and gusts ranging between 30 and 40 kmph, could sweep across these districts, particularly during the late afternoon and evening hours. While such pre-monsoon phenomena are typical for this time of year, they often carry the risk of disruption, especially in semi-urban and rural communities.
Experts in regional climate management underscored the importance of public preparedness, highlighting that the sudden onset of strong winds could uproot trees, damage tin rooftops, and compromise low-lying power lines. “These storms may be short-lived, but their impact can be significant. From transport delays to crop damage, the consequences are real,” one official noted. The IMD has also advised farmers in the affected areas to secure livestock and protect vulnerable crops from wind damage. In many of these districts, agriculture remains the primary livelihood, and unanticipated weather events such as these can cause setbacks that ripple through local economies. Livestock shelters and crop storage facilities must be reinforced, particularly in zones where open fields and thatched structures dominate the landscape.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about climate instability, with meteorologists observing increasingly erratic pre-monsoon patterns in central and southern India. Sudden temperature rises during daytime, followed by evening thunderstorms, have become more frequent, making weather predictability a challenge for planning and disaster response. Authorities have asked the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during predicted storm hours and to remain vigilant. Guidelines include staying indoors, avoiding contact with metal objects and electrical appliances during lightning activity, and keeping emergency kits within reach. Urban and semi-urban residents have been reminded to steer clear of flooded roads and weak structures, especially in areas where past storms have caused civic infrastructure failures.
Environmental analysts link the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Telangana to broader shifts in climate behaviour caused by global warming and deforestation. According to data from national agencies, average summer temperatures across Telangana have seen an incremental rise over the past decade, leading to greater atmospheric instability. Combined with moisture-laden winds from surrounding states, the conditions are primed for volatile weather formations. Officials from the state disaster management authority have assured that district-level teams are on standby and are coordinating with local administrations for early response. Information dissemination through mobile alerts, village panchayats, and local radio has been stepped up to ensure rural populations are informed. The Public Works Department (PWD) and power supply units have been put on alert to address potential fallout such as fallen power poles or blocked roads.
“Timely updates and preventive measures can significantly reduce risk during these weather shifts,” noted an official. He emphasised the importance of integrating technology with grassroots awareness to better prepare communities for fast-changing weather conditions. While no major urban flooding or large-scale damage has been reported yet, the alert serves as a reminder of the importance of climate-resilient urban planning and rural preparedness. As cities like Hyderabad and semi-urban clusters expand, they face increasing pressure to build storm-resilient infrastructure—something experts believe requires urgent attention under both urban development and environmental sustainability agendas.
The recent weather advisory also calls into question the readiness of India’s medium-tier cities to handle the growing threat of climate-induced weather volatility. Many Tier-2 cities in Telangana, while growing rapidly, still lack robust early-warning systems, integrated drainage networks, and climate-proof infrastructure. The current yellow alert thus doubles as a warning and an opportunity to scale up region-specific disaster preparedness, improve rural-to-urban coordination, and prioritise sustainable infrastructure. In line with the national agenda for climate resilience and net-zero targets, this weather event further highlights the need to reimagine development with a focus on sustainability and risk mitigation. From smarter stormwater management to decentralised power systems that can withstand natural shocks, experts believe the path to safer, equitable, and climate-aligned urban-rural ecosystems lies in integrated planning and rapid execution.
As weather conditions remain unstable in the coming days, the people of Telangana are urged to stay updated through official IMD bulletins and cooperate with local authorities. The season’s first major weather alert may not yet signal crisis, but it has certainly underscored the urgent need for smarter preparedness across India’s climatically vulnerable belts.
Weather Alert Issued Across Telangana Districts
