The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast North-East monsoon rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across several districts of Telangana on October 21. According to the weather department, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Suryapet, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool, Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, and Jogulamba Gadwal are expected to receive showers during the day. While no weather warnings have been issued for the remaining districts, residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain alert during periods of thunderstorms and lightning.

For Hyderabad, the IMD has not predicted widespread rainfall and expects hazy conditions during the morning followed by partly cloudy skies later in the day. However, Telangana Weatherman T. Balaji has indicated that isolated rain showers could develop over Hyderabad and nearby districts during the afternoon and evening hours. The differing forecasts suggest that while the city may not witness widespread rainfall, a few localities could still receive brief showers depending on changing weather conditions.

Despite the arrival of the North-East monsoon, Telangana continues to face a significant rainfall deficit this year. The state has received only 3.4 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 70.4 mm so far, while the South-West monsoon also ended below average. The prolonged shortage of rainfall has led to declining groundwater levels and drying borewells, forcing many Hyderabad residents to rely on water tankers. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is currently receiving around 6,500 tanker bookings every day, an unusually high demand for October, highlighting the growing impact of the state’s rainfall deficit.