Table of Contents
Relevance: TGPSC: Telangana Geography,
Prelims: Southwest Monsoon | TGDPS | IMD | El Niño | Rainfall Deficit | Seasonal Normal | District-wise Rainfall | Mandal-level Rainfall
Mains: Monsoon Variability | Regional Rainfall Inequality | Agricultural Vulnerability | Urban Water Security | Climate Resilience
Why in News?
The 2026 Southwest Monsoon concluded in Telangana with a 17% rainfall deficit. The State received 615.5 mm between June and September against the seasonal normal of 740.6 mm.
Overall Monsoon Performance
According to the Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS):
- Rainfall in 2026: 615.5 mm
- Seasonal normal: 740.6 mm
- Deficit: 17%
- Rainfall in 2025: 988.3 mm
- Decline from 2025: 38%
The rainfall shortage occurred in all four monsoon months.
Month-wise Rainfall
- June: 115.3 mm against 130.3 mm normal — 12% deficit
- July: 224 mm against 227.4 mm — 1% deficit
- August: 134.5 mm against 215.8 mm — 38% deficit
- September: 141.7 mm against 167.1 mm — 15% deficit
August recorded the highest monthly shortfall, while rainfall in July remained close to normal.
Role of El Niño
The deficient monsoon occurred amid an evolving El Niño.
- El Niño refers to the periodic warming of the tropical Pacific Ocean.
- It can alter global atmospheric circulation.
- It may weaken the conditions that bring moisture-bearing monsoon winds to India.
- Before the monsoon, the India Meteorological Department had indicated the possible development of El Niño conditions during the season.
District- and Mandal-level Distribution
District Level
Of Telangana’s 33 districts:
- 15 districts: Normal rainfall
- 18 districts: Deficient rainfall
- Excess or large excess: None
- Large deficient or no rainfall: None
Mandal Level
- Large excess: 1 mandal
- Excess: 36 mandals
- Normal: 259 mandals
- Deficient: 320 mandals
- Large deficient: 5 mandals
The data show that the rainfall deficit was widespread but uneven.
Rainfall in Urban Districts
- Hyderabad: 458.2 mm against 627.2 mm — 27% deficit
- Medchal–Malkajgiri: 407.4 mm against 603.7 mm — 33% deficit
- Rangareddy: 468.3 mm against 547.7 mm — 14% deficit
Across the GHMC, Cyberabad Municipal Corporation and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation areas, cumulative rainfall was 456.6 mm against the normal 618.9 mm, resulting in a 26% deficit.
Rainfall in Rural Districts
Better-performing Districts
- Siddipet: 678.3 mm against 614.8 mm — 10% above normal
- Medak: 7% surplus
- Rajanna Sircilla: 5% surplus
- Kamareddy: 4% surplus
Highly Deficient Districts
- Jogulamba Gadwal: 262.6 mm against 447.4 mm — 41% deficit
- Narayanpet: 35% deficit
- Hanumakonda: 35% deficit
- Nalgonda: 34% deficit
Jogulamba Gadwal recorded the largest district-level shortfall.
Temperature Conditions
Higher temperatures continued during the monsoon’s withdrawal:
- Khammam: 37.2°C
- Chandampet, Nalgonda: 37.1°C
- 37°C: Nizamabad, Narayanpet, Mahabubabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Suryapet and Peddapalli
Conclusion
Telangana’s 2026 monsoon was marked by an overall rainfall deficit, a sharp shortfall in August and wide regional variation. While a few districts received above-normal rainfall, most mandals remained deficient. The pattern underlines the importance of district-level rainfall monitoring and climate-resilient water and agricultural planning.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Telangana’s Southwest Monsoon 2026:
- Telangana recorded a seasonal rainfall deficit of 17%.
- August registered the highest monthly rainfall deficit.
- Jogulamba Gadwal recorded the State’s largest district-level deficit.
- All 33 districts recorded deficient rainfall.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
- Statement 4 is incorrect because 15 districts recorded normal rainfall, while 18 were deficient.
FAQs
Q. How much rainfall did Telangana receive?
The State received 615.5 mm during June–September 2026.
Q.What was the overall deficit?
Telangana recorded a 17% rainfall deficit.
Q. Which month recorded the largest deficit?
August, with a 38% shortfall.
Q.Which district recorded the highest deficit?
Jogulamba Gadwal, with a 41% deficit.
Q. How much lower was rainfall than in 2025?
Rainfall in 2026 was 38% lower than in 2025.
Sources: The Hindu
