Hyderabad: A severe cold wave gripped Telangana as several regions recorded single-digit temperatures during the night and early morning hours. Many residents avoided stepping outdoors because of the sharp drop in minimum temperatures. In a few places, even sweaters and blankets failed to offer relief from the chill.
Past winters showed similar extremes. KB Asifabad recorded 1.8°C on December 28, 2014. It later touched 2°C on January 10, 2015. The winters of 2018–19 also saw low values across the northern belt. Telangana Weatherman predicted that this year could show comparable conditions. Officials said strong cold winds would continue through the week.
Cold intensifies across districts as IMD issues statewide warning
Sangareddy’s Kohir mandal reported 6.6°C on Monday. Seventeen locations in the district stayed below 10°C. Medak’s Shivvampet measured 8.4°C, and Siddipet’s Begumpet logged 8.9°C. Arli (T) in Adilabad recorded 7.4°C, while Ginneddari in Kumram Bheem Asifabad registered 8.2°C.
Hyderabad also saw a clear dip in temperatures. Begumpet officials said similar conditions would last for three to four more days. With the cold wave strengthening, the IMD issued a yellow alert for Adilabad, Kumram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Sangareddy, Medak and Kamareddy. It forecast minimum temperatures near 13°C in several regions.
Fog covered many stretches of the state and reduced visibility. Motorists struggled during early travel. People relied on sweaters and blankets even during daytime hours. Residents feared a harsher January if the trend continued.
Doctors warned that seasonal illnesses may rise. They urged asthma patients to remain cautious. Health experts asked the elderly and children to avoid early-morning and late-night exposure. Workers who start their tasks before sunrise, including farmers, newspaper boys and sanitation staff, found the cold difficult to manage. Medical teams advised immediate attention if breathing problems appeared.