Hyderabad: Eight districts in Telangana remain under red alert as a severe heatwave grips the state, with temperatures sharply higher than the same period last year. Data from the Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS) shows an average rise of nearly 1.5°C, signalling an intense and potentially prolonged summer.Nirmal emerged as the hottest district, touching 46°C, up from 44.2°C last year. Adilabad, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Siddipet, Jagtial and Asifabad have all crossed 45°C, compared to an average of around 43.5°C during the same period in 2025.Officials say the trend reflects a broader warming pattern. “The state had already recorded temperatures about 1.2°C above normal this year compared to last year, and the current spike indicates a continuing rise,” said YV Rama Rao, senior meteorologist at TGDPS. He added that recent thunderstorms failed to bring meaningful relief due to persistent dry heat and rising night-time temperatures.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the severity to a combination of factors, including shifting wind patterns, moisture deficit and the anticipated El Nino effect. Climate change is further amplifying the intensity and duration of heatwaves.“Last year, thunderstorms were more effective in cooling conditions. This time, even strong activity hasn’t lowered temperatures significantly,” an IMD official said.Though a marginal dip is forecast in the coming days, most parts of Telangana are likely to remain under severe heatwave conditions through the week.
