IMD Data reveals historic temperature drop across the State since 2000

1. 2025 saw the coolest May since 2000
2. Maximum temp in almost all districts were 5°C to 9°C below normal throughout May 2025, contributing to an exceptionally mild summer across state
3. Adilabad once recorded a remarkable 11°C drop in day maximum temp  — the most significant deviation among all stations
4. In 5 out of the 10 stations, rainfall during May 2025 was the highest in the past 10 years, confirming a strong correlation between higher rainfall and lower day time temperatures
5. Traditionally hottest regions like the Singareni belt in North Telangana experienced a significant dip in temperature

In a dramatic twist to the annual summer script, Telangana has flipped the thermometer, logging its coolest May since 1999. Defying tradition, all 10 representative weather stations (Adilabad, Bhadrachalam, Hanamkonda, Hyderabad, Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, and Ramagundam) across the erstwhile districts of Telangana recorded their lowest maximum temperatures for the month of May in 2025.

Traditionally known for peak summer temperatures soaring above 40°C, several districts this year recorded maximum temperatures 5°C to 9°C below normal, with Adilabad seeing a sharp 11°C drop. Uniquely, no heatwave alerts were issued in May 2025, a rare occurrence compared to the 7–9 alerts usually issued each year. 

Remarkably, two heat wave warnings were issued as early as April 2025, but May remained exceptionally pleasant. The previous hottest May across most stations was 2019, but 2025 has now emerged as the mildest, defying global heat trends seen in 2023 and 2024.

The absence of heat waves, frequent pre-monsoon showers, and widespread cloud cover have contributed to the cool weather this year.

The year 2025 has set a historic precedent for pleasant summer weather in Telangana, with data firmly establishing it as the coolest May in over two and a half decades. As the monsoon approaches, the meteorological trend bodes well for a promising start to the rainy season.

Rainfall linked to cooler weather

Interestingly, this exceptional drop in temperature coincided with substantially higher rainfall in May 2025. Five of the ten stations reported their highest rainfall in the past decade, including Medak (291.0 mm), Nizamabad (214.3 mm), and Adilabad (197.3 mm). The correlation between higher rainfall and cooler daytime conditions was evident, as years with meagre rainfall had previously seen record heat. 

The 2025 data reinforces the significance of rainfall in moderating summer extremes, offering a welcome respite to both residents and farmers across the state.

Frequent thunderstorms behind unusually Cool May: IMD Expert

Explaining the reasons behind the coolest May in the last 26 years, GNRS Srinivas, Meteorologist at IMD Hyderabad, attributed the unusual weather to an increased frequency of thunderstorms triggered by upper atmospheric wind discontinuities. "Typically, during the summer months, we experience a few thunderstorms—mostly in the evening or night—which bring temporary relief from high temperatures. These are usually short-lived and lower temperatures for just a day or two," he explained. However, May 2025 witnessed an unusually high number of such thunderstorms, owing to persistent wind discontinuities in the upper atmosphere. This continuous thunderstorm activity not only brought frequent spells of rain but also helped suppress daytime temperatures consistently throughout the month, leading to the historic drop in maximum temperatures across the state.

Maximum Temperatures (May) — Highest vs. 2025 Lows

Station  Highest   Lowest             Rainfall in Max (Year) Max (2025)              May 2025 (mm)

Adilabad 44.2°C (2019) 39.0°C 197.3 mm

Bhadrachalam 42.4°C (2019) 36.4°C 187.2 mm

Hanamkonda 42.2°C (2016) 36.5°C 137.5 mm

Hyderabad 41.6°C (2019) 35.5°C 73.8 mm

Khammam 43.2°C (2019) 37.8°C 165.6 mm

Mahabubnagar 42.5°C (2019) 36.3°C 178.4 mm

Medak 43.1°C (2019) 36.8°C 291.0 mm

Nalgonda 43.7°C (2019) 38.2°C 60.0 mm

Nizamabad 43.9°C (2019) 37.9°C 214.3 mm

Ramagundam 44.0°C (2019) 37.6°C 173.5 mm