Telangana braces for mixed monsoon outlook with early August rains

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that 18 districts in Telangana are under a yellow alert as moderate to heavy rain is expected over the next three days, bringing relief to farmers after a dry spell. Recent showers have accelerated rice sowing, with cultivated area rising from 11.02  lakh acres on July 22 to 20.46  lakh acres by July 29, though some districts lag behind.

IMD forecasts indicate that early August will see normal to above‑normal rainfall across northern and eastern parts of the state, driven by low‑pressure systems from the Bay of Bengal. However, the second half of the monsoon season (August‑September) is projected to be weaker, with western and southern districts likely to receive normal to below‑normal rain and temperatures above average. The outlook attributes the reduced rainfall to a strengthening El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to persist through the latter monsoon months.

Farmers have expressed optimism as the recent rains have replenished water levels in tanks and ponds, reducing concerns of drought and supporting ongoing agricultural activities.