Hyderabad: The Telangana cold wave intensifies over the next three days, with the Meteorological Department issuing yellow alerts for 29 districts. Night temperatures are expected to fall further, while early morning fog could reduce visibility on roads.
Minimum temperatures may drop below 15 degrees Celsius across most districts. However, several northern and western districts could experience colder conditions, with temperatures falling to around 12 degrees Celsius.
The weather department attributed the cold conditions to low-level northeasterly winds prevailing over Telangana. Hyderabad Meteorological Centre official Srinivasa Rao said northern Telangana districts were experiencing intense cold conditions.
Meanwhile, parts of the erstwhile Mahabubnagar, Khammam and Adilabad districts were recording relatively higher daytime temperatures. Daytime temperatures remained 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal in several areas. However, nighttime temperatures were expected to decline further during the next three days.
The department forecast minimum temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius in most districts. Jogulamba Gadwal, Khammam, Suryapet and Jangaon were the exceptions to this forecast.
Sangareddy, Medak, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Nirmal and Wanaparthy districts could record minimum temperatures of around 12 degrees Celsius. These districts were among the areas expected to experience particularly cold nights and early mornings.
Morning fog may reduce visibility on roads
The Meteorological Department also warned of fog during the early morning hours. Fog could reduce road visibility and create difficult driving conditions, particularly during the colder morning period.
Accordingly, motorists were advised to reduce their speed and exercise caution while travelling. The department also advised people heading outdoors at night or early in the morning to take precautions against falling temperatures.
Northeasterly winds sustain cold conditions
Meteorologists identified low-level northeasterly winds over Telangana as the main factor behind the prevailing cold conditions. The department expected the cold wave to continue for another three days, with nighttime temperatures declining further.
Although daytime temperatures remained above normal in several districts, the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime cold was expected to persist. The yellow alerts covered 29 districts as the weather department continued to warn of falling minimum temperatures and early morning fog.
Residents were advised to take precautions during nighttime and early morning travel, while motorists were urged to remain alert to reduced visibility.