Severe Heatwave Grips Telangana: Temperatures to Hit 45°C

Telangana is bracing for an intense heatwave over the next three days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a severe heatwave warning for April 21–23, 2025. North Telangana districts, including Adilabad, Nirmal, and Kumuram Bheem, are expected to face scorching temperatures reaching up to 45°C in some areas. Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana will also experience sweltering conditions, with temperatures ranging from 41–42°C in the capital and 42–44°C elsewhere. While scattered thunderstorms may offer occasional respite in South and East Telangana, including Hyderabad, residents must prepare for extreme heat.

This heatwave, driven by dry westerly winds and high-pressure systems, poses significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. Social media platforms like X have amplified the urgency, with users urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. This article provides a detailed overview of the heatwave, region-specific forecasts, essential safety tips, and what to expect from the scattered storms in Telangana.

Heatwave Forecast: Region-Wise Breakdown

North Telangana: Extreme Heat at 45°C
North Telangana is set to bear the brunt of the heatwave, with temperatures expected to touch 45°C in isolated areas. Districts like Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial, and Jagtial are particularly vulnerable due to their inland location and lack of cooling sea breezes. The IMD has classified this as a “severe heatwave,” defined as temperatures exceeding 40°C with a departure of 4.5–6.4°C above normal. Residents in these areas should minimize outdoor exposure, especially between 11 AM and 4 PM, when heat is most intense.

Hyderabad: Swelter at 41–42°C
Hyderabad, known for its hot summers, will see temperatures hovering between 41–42°C over the next three days. Areas like Secunderabad, Banjara Hills, and HITEC City may feel even hotter due to the urban heat island effect, where concrete and asphalt trap heat. The IMD Hyderabad bulletin notes that humidity levels of 50–60% could exacerbate discomfort, making it feel closer to 45°C. However, occasional thunderstorms in the city may bring temporary relief, particularly in the evenings.

Other Telangana Districts: 42–44°C
Central and Western Telangana, including districts like Warangal, Khammam, and Mahbubnagar, will experience temperatures between 42–44°C. These areas, while slightly less intense than North Telangana, still face significant heat stress. Rural communities, where access to cooling facilities is limited, are at higher risk. The IMD advises farmers and laborers to reschedule work to early mornings or late evenings.

South and East Telangana: Scattered Storms
South and East Telangana, including Nalgonda, Suryapet, and parts of Hyderabad, may see scattered thunderstorms providing intermittent relief. These storms, driven by moisture from the Bay of Bengal, could bring light to moderate rainfall (2–10 mm) and gusty winds (30–40 km/h). While beneficial, these storms may be patchy, so residents should not rely solely on them for cooling.

Why Is This Heatwave So Severe?

The current heatwave results from a combination of meteorological and climatic factors:

• High-Pressure Systems: A strong anticyclone over Central India is trapping heat and preventing cloud formation, leading to clear skies and intense solar radiation.
• Dry Westerly Winds: Hot, dry winds from Rajasthan and Gujarat are pushing temperatures higher in Telangana, as noted in IMD’s April 2025 outlook.
• Delayed Monsoon Influence: The pre-monsoon season typically brings thunderstorms to Telangana, but delayed moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal has prolonged dry conditions.
• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures, as reported by the IPCC, are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in India. Telangana’s summer temperatures have risen by 0.5–1°C over the past two decades.

These factors, combined with urbanization in Hyderabad, amplify the heatwave’s impact, making proactive measures essential.

Health Risks of the Heatwave

Exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Heatstroke: A life-threatening condition where body temperature exceeds 40°C, causing confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness.
• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and dizziness, often due to dehydration.
• Dehydration: Loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to headaches, fatigue, and organ stress, particularly in children and the elderly.
• Respiratory Issues: High temperatures and humidity can worsen asthma or allergies, especially in urban areas with poor air quality.

Outdoor workers, street vendors, and those without access to air conditioning are at heightened risk. The Telangana Health Department has reported a 15% spike in heat-related illnesses during April heatwaves in recent years, underscoring the need for vigilance.

Essential Safety Tips to Stay Safe During the Heatwave

To protect yourself and your family during the Telangana heatwave, follow these expert-recommended tips:

1. Stay Hydrated
   • Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for 2–3 liters daily, even if you’re not thirsty. Carry a reusable water bottle when outdoors.
   • Electrolyte-Rich Drinks: Consume oral rehydration solutions (ORS), coconut water, or buttermilk to replenish salts and minerals.
   • Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, which can increase fluid loss.
2. Avoid Peak Heat Hours
   • Stay Indoors: Remain in shaded or air-conditioned spaces between 11 AM and 4 PM. Use fans or coolers if AC isn’t available.
   • Reschedule Outdoor Activities: Plan errands, workouts, or work for early mornings or evenings when temperatures drop to 35–38°C.
   • Protect Vulnerable Groups: Keep children, elderly family members, and pets indoors during the hottest periods.
3. Dress Appropriately
   • Wear Light Clothing: Choose loose, light-colored, cotton clothes to reflect heat and allow ventilation.
   • Use Accessories: Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+) to shield from UV rays, which peak at 300–320 nm during April.
4. Cool Your Environment
   • Ventilation: Keep windows open at night to circulate cooler air, and use curtains or blinds during the day to block sunlight.
   • Cooling Techniques: Place wet towels on your neck or wrists, or take brief cool showers to lower body temperature.
   • Community Cooling Centers: Visit malls, libraries, or GHMC-designated cooling centers in Hyderabad if your home lacks adequate cooling.
5. Recognize Heatstroke Symptoms
   • Warning Signs: High body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, or fainting indicate heatstroke. Call 108 for emergency services immediately.
   • First Aid: Move the person to a shaded area, apply cool water to their skin, and fan them while waiting for help.
6. Prepare for Scattered Storms
   • Stay Updated: Monitor IMD or apps like AccuWeather for thunderstorm alerts in South and East Telangana.
   • Safety Precautions: Avoid open fields or trees during storms to reduce lightning risk. Secure outdoor items to prevent wind damage.
   • Power Backup: Keep power banks charged, as storms may cause outages in Hyderabad’s suburbs.

Regional Precautions for Telangana Residents

North Telangana

• Community Support: Villages in Adilabad and Nirmal should set up water stations and shaded rest areas for laborers.

This heatwave serves as a stark reminder to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Let’s stay safe during the hottest months of 2025!