Sun’s northward movement and south-easterly winds make afternoons warmer in several parts of Telangana

Hyderabad and several parts of Telangana are witnessing warmer-than-usual afternoons in mid-January, with daytime temperatures rising even as winter conditions persist during the early hours in some regions.

Explaining the prevailing conditions, Dharma Raju, Scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Centre in Hyderabad, said this seasonal transition typically results in a gradual rise in temperatures along with changes in wind patterns across the region. “As the sun shifts northward, the atmosphere responds with increasing daytime warmth that becomes more noticeable during the afternoons,” he said.

According to data from Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS), the highest maximum temperature between in Telangana recorded between Tuesday and Wednesday (between January 20 and 21) mornings was 33.5°C in Adilabad followed by 33.4°C in Siddipet and 33°C in Wanaparthy, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jagtial, Mancherial, Rangareddy and Jogulamba Gadwal.

Under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, Hayathnagar recorded the highest maximum temperature of 32.3°C followed by 32.2°C in Amberpet, 32.1°C in Khairatabad and 32°C in Saroornagar.

Reason for warmer conditions

Mr. Raju added that for the past four to five days, south-easterly winds have also been dominant over Telangana. These winds, which are more commonly associated with warmer conditions, have contributed to higher afternoon temperatures, particularly across southern parts of the State where relatively hot weather has been prevailing for most of the day.

In contrast, northern Telangana continues to experience winter-like conditions during the early hours. Districts such as Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad and nearby areas are still recording low night temperatures, along with foggy conditions. While cold wave conditions are not being reported, the chill during early mornings remains noticeable in these regions, the IMD Scientist said

Mixed winter conditions until February second week

The current pattern is expected to persist for some time. According to the IMD scientist, the warm afternoons and mixed winter conditions are likely to continue until around the second week of February. After mid-February, a further transition in wind patterns is anticipated. “This change would gradually lead to an increase in heat, marking the slow onset of summer-like conditions across Telangana,” he added.