Telangana Braces for Cold Wave as Night Temps Dip to Single Digits
Telangana Braces for Cold Wave as Night Temps Dip to Single Digits
IMD warns of a cold wave across Telangana as night temperatures dip to single digits in several districts, with conditions likely to persist through mid-November.
On November 17, the India Meteorological Department warned of a cold wave in parts of Telangana. Nighttime temperatures have fallen into single digits in many locations. Kohir and Yalal districts recorded around 8.1º C while Adilabad, Medak, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Nirmal, and Sangareddy have reported minimum temperatures between around 8º and 10º C — all well below what is normal for this time of year. The IMD has issued a cold wave alert for the latter five districts on November 18, with similar conditions expected on November 19.
What is a cold wave? The IMD has a precise rule for when the term ‘cold wave’ can be used. For plains regions like Telangana, a cold wave is said to occur when the minimum temperature is 10º C or lower and at least 4.5º C below the long-term normal — or when it falls to 4º C or lower even without such a large departure. In the current spell, minimum temperatures in parts of the State are 3-5º C below normal, so some stations are meeting this condition, pulling them into the ‘cold wave’ category.
The immediate cause lies to the north and northwest of Telangana. After recent weather systems over north and central India, a broad region of high pressure has formed there, and it is sending cold, dry winds from the interior of the country towards the Deccan plateau. According to the IMD’s national bulletins, the cold to severe cold wave conditions are also affecting Central India and that cold wave conditions are likely over Chhattisgarh, Marathwada, central Maharashtra, and Vidarbha on November 18-19. Telangana is being swept by an extension of this larger mass of cold air. Local conditions can amplify this cooling. Much of Telangana lies on the inland Deccan plateau, far from the sea, so it lacks the moderating influence of large water bodies. At present, according to local reports, the skies are mostly clear and the air is dry.
Cover image source: Cold wave alert in five Telangana districts on November 18 🔗
