Telangana Ends August With 38% Rainfall Deficit as Monsoon Gap Widens

Telangana recorded a 38 per cent rainfall deficit in August after receiving only 134.5 mm of rain against the normal average of 215.8 mm, according to data released by the Telangana Development & Planning Society (TGDPS).

The shortfall in August deepened the state's cumulative monsoon deficit. Between June 1 and August 31, Telangana received 473.8 mm of precipitation compared to the normal average of 573.5 mm, leaving seasonal rainfall 17 per cent below normal. Despite the drop, the overall seasonal figure remains classified within the "normal" category.

August experienced erratic weather patterns throughout the month. The deficit expanded to 49 per cent by August 3 before brief rainfall led to a 13 per cent surplus on August 4. However, the recovery was short-lived as dry conditions returned the following day, pushing the deficit to 39 per cent by August 22 before settling at 38 per cent at the close of the month.

Earlier in the season, June recorded a 12 per cent deficit, while July brought near-normal precipitation with just a 1 per cent shortfall. The dry conditions in August reversed the recovery seen in July.

District-wise statistics highlighted significant regional variations across the state. Hanamkonda registered the highest cumulative deficit at 45 per cent, followed closely by Warangal at 44 per cent and Jangaon at 42 per cent. Adilabad recorded a 29 per cent deficit, while Narayanpet and Nagarkurnool each stood at 28 per cent, and Mahbubnagar logged a 21 per cent shortfall.

Hyderabad registered a 22 per cent deficit, recording 361.6 mm of rain against the normal 466 mm across 34 rainy days between June 1 and August 31. The extended dry spells between brief bursts of rain have left Telangana entering September with a noticeable cumulative rainfall gap across multiple districts.