Southwest Monsoon Slumps to Ten-Year Low Across Telangana with 17 Percent Deficit

Telangana has recorded its lowest rainfall in a decade during the southwest monsoon season, registering a deficit of 17 percent. The state recorded an average rainfall of 61.53 centimeters against the normal average of 74.06 centimeters. Meteorological officials attribute the shortfall to El Nino conditions and temperature differences in the Indian Ocean. While July saw near-normal rainfall, August experienced a steep 38 percent deficit, and September recorded an 8 percent deficit.

District Impact

Rainfall varied widely across regions, with the Planning Department noting normal rainfall in 17 districts and deficits in 16 districts. Jogulamba Gadwal district faced the highest deficit at 39 percent. Conversely, districts like Mancherial, Peddapalli, Rajanna Sircilla, Kamareddy, and Medak received normal rainfall levels. Extended dry spells lasting from one to two weeks severely disrupted farming work across many areas during the season. IMD Hyderabad meteorologist G. Srinivasa Rao stated that the El Nino temperature anomaly is expected to persist until February next year.

Crop Status

Late September rains provided some relief to crops, though impacts vary by region. Northern Telangana benefited from water inflows into tanks and reservoirs, aiding the final stage of paddy cultivation. However, southern districts faced difficulties with crops like cotton, maize, groundnuts, and pulses due to soil moisture gaps. Total crop sowing exceeded initial projections, reaching over 125 million acres, including 55 million acres of paddy and 48.24 million acres of cotton. TV9 Telugu and weather reports indicate that as the monsoon withdraws, dry weather and rising temperatures reaching 34 to 35 degrees Celsius are expected across the region.

Context

Monsoon rainfall totals are vital for replenishing groundwater, filling irrigation projects, and sustaining both the kharif and rabi agricultural seasons in Telangana. Weather anomalies like El Nino disrupt normal wind patterns and moisture flows, directly reducing rainfall and causing prolonged dry periods that challenge crop growth.