Hyderabad: Rural Telangana bore the brunt of unexpected showers on Friday. Farmers in districts like Nizamabad, Mahbubnagar, Rangareddy and Nalgonda faced heavy losses, with standing crops of paddy, maize, chilli and mangoes suffering extensive damage. Hailstorms were reported in parts of Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Kamareddy districts, further aggravating the situation. In Gajwel, officials estimated crop damage across 180 acres, with paddy and maize fields being the worst hit. Similar devastation was reported in Kamareddy and Siddipet, where strong winds flattened acres of farmland. Farmers expressed concerns over potential losses in market prices for rain-drenched chilli and tobacco stocks, with many rushing to sell their produce before the moisture impacted quality. Data from the Telangana Development Planning Society (TDPS) revealed significant rainfall across various districts, with Samsthan Narayanpur in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri recording the highest at 9.7 cm. Other regions, including Jangaon, Warangal and Nagarkurnool, also saw heavy showers, leading to flooding and disruption. In Hyderabad, maximum temperatures ranged between 34.4°C and 36.1°C, while districts like Nalgonda, Peddapalli and Jagtial recorded highs of 38.8°C. Compared to last year, however, temperatures were significantly lower, with several locations experiencing 3-4°C drops. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued rainfall across Telangana, attributing the unseasonal showers to a surface-level cyclonic circulation. Officials predict light to moderate showers in Hyderabad and some parts of southern and western Telangana, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h. Thunderstorms and lightning remain a concern, and residents have been advised to exercise caution. With summer approaching, experts caution that the break in heat might be temporary. “Once the rains subside, we could see a sharp spike in temperatures, making conditions even more uncomfortable,” an IMD official stated.
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