Telangana Records 18% Rainfall Deficit, Andhra Pradesh 29% During Southwest Monsoon

In Andhra Pradesh, the deficit was particularly severe in Rayalaseema, which recorded 40 per cent below-normal rainfall. Coastal Andhra and Yanam recorded a comparatively lower deficit of 17 per cent.

Despite the overall shortfall, Telangana was classified in the normal rainfall category for the season. Data from the Telangana Development Planning Society showed that the state received 615.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and October 1, against the normal of 746.3 mm.

Of Telangana's 33 districts, 15 received normal rainfall, while the remaining districts recorded deficits ranging from 20 to 43 per cent. Hyderabad recorded a rainfall deficit of 28 per cent.

The southwest monsoon was relatively weak over both Telugu states, particularly during July and August. However, rainfall conditions improved towards the end of September after a deep depression developed over the Bay of Bengal and brought increased rainfall to several parts of the region.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country as a whole received rainfall equivalent to 87 per cent of its long-period average during the southwest monsoon. The all-India seasonal rainfall stood at 759.4 mm, making it the fourth-lowest since 2001 and 13th-lowest since 1901.

South Peninsular India recorded rainfall equivalent to 76 per cent of its long-period average, with total rainfall of 542 mm. The figure was the fourth-lowest for the region since 1901 and the second-lowest since 2001.

The IMD said 14 low-pressure systems developed during the monsoon season, including six monsoon depressions. Three of these systems intensified into deep depressions. The season recorded 77 low-pressure system days, compared with the normal of 57 days.

Three low-pressure systems formed during September, with two strengthening into deep depressions. These systems contributed to improved rainfall over parts of Peninsular and Central India as well as the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

For the post-monsoon season from October to December, the IMD has forecast normal rainfall over South Peninsular India, with seasonal rainfall expected to be between 88 and 112 per cent of the long-period average. The long-period average for the region during the October-December period, based on data from 1971 to 2020, is around 334.13 mm.

The IMD expects much of the country to receive below-normal rainfall during October-December 2026. However, parts of Northwest India and southern Peninsular India are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.