Hyderabad: Over the past decade, scorching temperatures have gripped vast parts of the state, with almost 1,560 heatwave cases recorded in mandals between 2015 and 2025. Yet, Hyderabad has largely escaped the worst of this, with just nine mandals experiencing heatwaves during this time.According to the recent analysis by the planning department, the most recent instance of a heat wave in the city occurred in 2023, affecting just one mandal, while several mandals saw little to no heat wave activity between 2015 and 2025.Experts attribute this trend partly to the design of older neighbourhoods in the city. Areas with thick walls, high ceilings, and abundant greenery—such as parts of Jubilee Hills—naturally regulate indoor temperatures and offer better cooling. In contrast, newer urban zones like Hitec City tend to trap heat due to glass-heavy, high-rise constructions, creating what is often described as “vertical heat.”Unlike coastal cities such as Vijayawada and Kolkata, which face high humidity that creates a “pressure cooker” effect, Hyderabad typically experiences dry heat. This dryness allows sweat to evaporate more efficiently, helping the body cool itself, although experts note that the humidity levels have been gradually changing. Last year, the city recorded temperatures of around 42°C.Nestled on the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad benefits from a higher elevation compared to the surrounding plains, where temperatures often climb higher. While daytime conditions can be sweltering, the city usually enjoys a noticeable drop in temperature at night, offering some relief.Based on average temperature data from 2015 to 2025, the state recorded a mean maximum temperature of 34.0°C.During the peak summer months, temperatures increased to a scorching 38.5°C observed over the period 2015–2025, creating intense and often challenging heat conditions.As the season transitioned into the northeast monsoon, temperatures eased, with mean values dropping to a more comfortable 32.0°C. Call for traditional cooling methodsOfficials have announced a Heat Action Plan (HAP) that focuses on localised, data-driven solutions. Residents are being encouraged to adopt traditional hydration practices such as drinking buttermilk (majiga) and lemon water (nimbu paani), and to use air coolers instead of relying entirely on air conditioning. Meanwhile, neighbouring districts have been more severely affected. Nalgonda district has recorded the highest number of heat-affected mandals (150), followed by Mancherial district with 143. In light of the impending heat wave action plan, it is significant to note that all districts have received above-normal rainfall over the past six months.
