# Energy and weather disruptions in Southern India

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/energy-and-weather-disruptions-in-southern-india
> Updated: 2026-09-22T15:35:50.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Southern India is experiencing significant energy and weather disruptions linked to climate patterns and high demand. In mid-September, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu faced power shortages and load shedding due to rising temperatures, monsoon deficits, and technical issues at thermal power plants. In Karnataka, demand exceeded total generation, while in Tamil Nadu, nighttime outages led to local protests.

By late September, the El Nino phenomenon was identified as a primary driver of these instabilities. In Telangana, deficient monsoon rainfall reduced inflows to the Krishna and Godavari basins, causing hydropower output to drop significantly from 1,940 MW the previous year to 424 MW. This shortfall increased energy exchange bids by 62 percent and raised average energy costs by 22 percent.

An expert committee appointed by the Tamil Nadu government, led by Dr. Sivananda Pai, has issued warnings regarding contrasting weather risks. The panel predicts the 2026 northeast monsoon may bring heavy rainfall, resulting in urban, riverine, and coastal flooding, while uneven rainfall could simultaneously cause water scarcity and drought stress in certain regions. Looking ahead, the committee anticipates severe heatwaves and heat stress during the summer of 2027, recommending a three-stage preparedness framework for agriculture, public health, and critical infrastructure to mitigate these risks.

## Claims

- Tamil Nadu may experience heavy rainfall, urban flooding, and riverine flooding during the October-December northeast monsoon. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Severe heatwaves and heat stress are expected in Tamil Nadu during the summer of 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Uneven rainfall could lead to water scarcity, reduced reservoir inflows, and drought stress in certain parts of Tamil Nadu. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Hydropower generation in Telangana dropped to 424 MW, down from 1,940 MW during the same period last year. (single source)
- Energy exchange day-ahead market bids rose by 62 percent in Telangana due to declining hydel output. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: El Nino triggers weather warnings in Tamil Nadu and power shortages in Telangana

El Nino is driving extreme weather risks in India, with Tamil Nadu facing potential floods in 2026 and heatwaves in 2027, while Telangana suffers from a major slump in hydropower generation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-nino-triggers-floods-in-tamil-nadu-and-power-shortages-in-telangana

### 2026-09-13: Electricity demand surges in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu causing power outages

Rising temperatures and monsoon deficits have caused electricity shortages and load shedding in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, leading to scheduled maintenance and local protests.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electricity-demand-surges-in-karnataka-and-tamil-nadu-causing-power-outages

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Cite as: Energy and weather disruptions in Southern India. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/energy-and-weather-disruptions-in-southern-india