The winter chill has tightened its grip on Telangana, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a cold wave alert for several districts in the state. While the capital city, Hyderabad, is currently experiencing minimum temperatures hovering around 13°C to 15°C in various pockets, the surrounding areas and northern districts have already seen the mercury drop sharply into the single digits, signalling a substantial and sustained cold spell. The sudden dip in temperatures is significantly below the seasonal normal, causing discomfort and disruptions to daily life.
Severe Chill Grips Northern Telangana
The cold wave conditions are most acute in the northern parts of Telangana, where minimum temperatures have fallen below the 10°C mark, triggering an Orange Alert for severe cold wave conditions in isolated pockets. Districts like Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Sangareddy, Medak, and Kamareddy are currently facing the brunt of the cold. The lowest temperatures in the state have been recorded well below the 10°C level, with reports of some areas hitting lows of 7°C to 8°C, marking the coldest phase of the winter so far.
Impact on Hyderabad and Surrounding Areas
In Hyderabad and its peripheral regions, including areas under Greater Hyderabad like Rangareddy, the temperature drop, while not as severe as the northern districts, is palpable. The minimum temperatures are expected to remain 2°C to 3°C below normal for the next couple of days, settling in the 13°C to 15°C range. The cold is being driven by clear skies and the sustained flow of cold, dry continental winds from the north, which enable rapid radiational cooling during the night. The IMD also forecasts mist and hazy conditions during the early morning and late night hours, leading to reduced visibility for commuters.
IMD Urges Precautions
The IMD's advisory urges residents, especially the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take necessary precautions. People are advised to wear warm layers, avoid unnecessary late-night and early-morning travel, and use caution against respiratory illnesses common during cold waves. The forecast indicates that these chilly conditions are likely to prevail over the state for the next few days, with temperatures remaining subdued until the cold wave subsides. While day temperatures will remain pleasant, the nights will continue to bring a noticeable, sharp bite of winter to the Deccan Plateau.
