FULL STORY

What’s happening

Cyclone Montha moved inland via the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday evening (October 28) and weakened over land. By late Wednesday (October 29), the system is expected to degrade from a deep depression to a depression, but its rain bands continue to influence Telangana. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has flagged a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across several districts on Wednesday, followed by more localized heavy rain in the state’s north and east on Thursday (October 30).

Dates and alerts are based on IMD bulletins issued October 28 and 29, 2025.

Alerts for Wednesday, October 29

IMD has issued an orange alert (heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places) for 12 districts, and a yellow alert (heavy rain at isolated places) for seven more, along with a broader thunderstorm and gusty wind advisory.

  • Districts under orange alert (heavy to very heavy rain likely at isolated places):
  • Adilabad
  • Mancherial
  • Nirmal
  • Jagtial
  • Karimnagar
  • Peddapalli
  • Jayashankar Bhupalpally
  • Mulugu
  • Bhadradri Kothagudem
  • Khammam
  • Mahabubabad

  • Warangal

  • Districts under yellow alert (heavy rain likely at isolated places):

  • Kumaram Bheem Asifabad
  • Nizamabad
  • Rajanna Sircilla
  • Hanumakonda
  • Jangaon
  • Siddipet

  • Yadadri Bhongir

  • Thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind risk also flagged in parts of the following:

  • Nizamabad, Rajanna Sircilla, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Warangal, Hanumakonda, Jangaon, Siddipet, Yadadri Bhongir
  • Rangareddy, Hyderabad, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Kamareddy

These alerts reflect the potential for short-duration intense spells embedded within broader light-to-moderate rain, which can trigger sudden waterlogging and brief disruptions even when overall daily totals appear moderate.

Fresh warning for Thursday, October 30

As Montha weakens further and advances inland, the heaviest rain risk consolidates over parts of northern and eastern Telangana on Thursday. The IMD has warned of heavy rain at isolated places in five districts:

  • Adilabad
  • Kumaram Bheem Asifabad
  • Mancherial
  • Jayashankar Bhupalpally
  • Mulugu

A thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty wind advisory also remains in force at isolated locations in the following districts: Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu.

Hyderabad outlook

Hyderabad and neighboring areas are set for a generally cloudy 24–48 hours. The city can expect light to moderate rain with occasional intense spells, along with gusty winds. Mist or hazy conditions are likely during morning and night hours. Daytime temperatures are expected around 28–29°C with nights near 21–22°C.

While the city is not the epicenter of Thursday’s heaviest rain risk, convective bursts can form quickly on the storm’s trailing edges. Localized downpours can temporarily overwhelm drains, especially at underpasses and known waterlogging points.

Potential impacts and preparedness

  • Localized flooding and waterlogging:
  • Short, heavy bursts can inundate low-lying areas, underpasses, and poorly drained stretches.

  • Commuters should allow extra time, avoid driving through pooled water, and watch for diversions.

  • Lightning and gusty winds:

  • Outdoor exposure increases risk; seek sturdy shelter during thunder.

  • Gusts can bring down weak branches and loose hoardings; secure outdoor items at homes and worksites.

  • Power and connectivity:

  • Brief outages or signal disruptions are possible during thunder and wind spells; keep devices charged and backup lighting ready.

  • Agriculture:

  • Rainfall could aid moisture for rabi preparation and recharge ponds, but intense spells may damage ready-to-harvest paddy or lodge tall crops like cotton in exposed fields.

  • Travel and public services:

  • Expect slower surface travel and sporadic delays. Check airline, bus, and rail updates if traveling during peak rain windows.

Practical tips for residents:

  • Track IMD bulletins and local administration advisories for district-specific updates.
  • Avoid open fields, isolated trees, and rooftops during lightning; unplug nonessential electronics during severe storms.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy; report fallen trees, dangling wires, or flooding to municipal helplines.
  • For two-wheelers and pedestrians, visibility can drop in mist; use reflectors and caution at intersections.

What’s next

With the system weakening, widespread heavy rain is expected to taper after Thursday, though scattered showers could linger. The north and east districts face the primary heavy-rain risk on Thursday, while central and western parts, including Hyderabad, should see intermittent showers and breezy conditions before a gradual easing. Residents should continue to monitor official updates for any changes in the storm’s residual trajectory and localized impacts.