El Nino Peaks to La Nina Valleys: Telangana's Decadal Weather Patterns
HYDERABAD: Telangana state, including Hyderabad, has experienced a rollercoaster of temperature fluctuations, impacting various life across the region.
As per the ‘Weather and Climatology of Telangana 2022’ report released by the TS Development Planning Society (TSDP), an in-depth analysis spanning from 2013 to 2022 showed a discernible pattern of temperature trends.
From February to May, the temperatures ascended steadily, reaching their peak in May, before descending post-monsoon. The pattern mirrored the semi-arid climate characteristic of the region, characterised by scorching summers and relatively milder winters.
Notably, the years 2016 and 2019-20 emerged as record-holders, with average maximum and minimum temperatures peaking at 39°C and 18.1°C, respectively. Conversely, 2021 witnessed a dip in temperatures, recording the lowest average of 15°C, attributed to prevalent the La Nina conditions, which refers to the cooling of the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean which has an impact on the weather in the sub-continent.
Summer months in Telangana state have been synonymous with blistering heat, often surpassing the 45°C mark in districts like Uppal, Kapra, and Qutubullapur in the GHMC limits.
The report for 2023 showed that in March 2023, all districts witnessed a departure from average temperatures which declined ranging from 2.7°C to 0.8°C. Temperatures in May last were below the norm, with a drop ranging from 3°C to 1.5°C, attributed to the La Nina conditions.
Furthermore, the report showed a significant deviation from the norm in 2023. Despite the scorching summer reputation of Telangana, the state experienced below-average temperatures, offering a respite from the usual heatwaves. This anomaly was attributed to the influence of La Nina conditions over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean, resulting in predominant easterly flows and cloudy skies.
Despite temperatures crossing 44°C in several northern districts in the state early on in April, statistics showed such temperatures weren't uncommon in 2015, especially in the April-May period.
11 sweltering years: The heat story
Peaks and lows:
Highest average temperature: 39°C in 2016.
Lowest average temperature: 15°C in 2021.
Trends:
Gradual rise in temperatures from February, peaking in May.
Decline post-monsoon, from June.
Winter temperatures see fluctuations, some districts record 5°C.
Huge departures from average seen in March in 2023 and this year
Summers:
March, April, May witnessed temperatures exceeding 45°C in several districts
Annual temperatures:
39ºC highest average in summer
15ºC lowest during winter
Temperature anomalies in 2023 and 2024:
March 2023: Departures from average from -2.7°C to -0.8°C.
May 2023: Deviations ranging from -3.0°C to -1.5°C.
March 2024: Deviations from average from -2.9°C to 1°C.
Data from TSDPS (2013-2022 decade report, 2022 & 2023 annual weather reports)
