Telangana monsoon 2026 ends with 15 per cent rainfall deficit

Telangana’s southwest monsoon is ending on a deficit note, with the State recording 615.3 mm rainfall against a normal 726.7 mm between June 1 and September 27. Sixteen of 33 districts remained deficient, while no major rain spell was forecast.

Hyderabad: As the southwest monsoon begins its rapid exit, its performance this year in Telangana has been underwhelming, marked by deficit rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

With no fresh low pressure systems in sight, based on the forecasts from IMD, Hyderabad, there is no likelihood of any major spells of downpour in the coming week or two, leaving Telangana with a deficit rainfall of 15 percent, as on September 27.

---

Since onset in June, the performance of southwest monsoons in Telangana has been quite weak, with not a single month between June and September receiving excess rainfall. In fact, all the four months i.e. June, July, August and September have received deficit rainfall during the monsoon season.

Cumulative rainfall figures across from June 1 to September 27, stand at 615.3 mm against a normal of 726.7 mm, which is 15 percent deficit, data from Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS) indicated.

However, the IMD, New Delhi rainfall data paints even a grimmer picture. The IMD’s sub-divisional cumulative map, covering June 1 to September 23, places Telangana’s actual recorded rainfall at 558.6 mm against a normal of 702.6 mm, reflecting a heavier 20 percent deficit rainfall.

Spatial distribution from the TGDPS and IMD maps reveals that out of 33 districts, only 17 managed to scrape into the normal range, while 16 districts slipped firmly into the deficient category.

Jogulamba Gadwal recorded the state’s highest deficit at 39 percent followed by Hanumakonda with a deficit of 34 percent, Nalgonda (32 percent deficit), Warangal (31 percent deficit) and Medchal-Malkajgiri district with 31 percent deficit.

The GHMC and surrounding municipal zones experienced an intensified shortfall, accumulating 456.6 mm against a normal of 604.7 mm, resulting in a 24 percent deficit rainfall, TSDPS data said.

“Even before the advent of southwest monsoons, the IMD, New Delhi had forecasted weak monsoons because of various reasons. Persistent, strong El Niño conditions over the equatorial Pacific Ocean have played a big role in the underperformance of the monsoons,” senior duty officer from IMD, Hyderabad, said.

Monsoon in Telangana:
• Cumulative rainfall (June 1 to September 27) is 615.3 mm against a normal of 726.7 mm

• 15 percent deficit rainfall

• IMD, New Delhi indicate seasonal deficit of 20 percent

• Cumulative rainfall plunged to 37 percent deficit compared to previous year 2025-26

• Last year, Telangana received 977.5 mm of rainfall during the same timeframe, against this year’s 615.3 mm

• Of 33 districts, 17 have classified as normal and 16 as deficit rainfall

• With no weather systems, monsoons wrapping up its cycle quickly