The 2026 southwest monsoon has ended on a weak note for the Telugu states, with Telangana recording an 18% rainfall deficit and Andhra Pradesh facing a much larger 29% shortfall. While Telangana remained in the overall “normal” rainfall category, several districts experienced significant shortages, raising concerns about water availability and agriculture in affected areas.
Telangana received 615.6 mm of rain between June 1 and October 1, against the normal 746.3 mm. Of the state’s 33 districts, 15 received normal rainfall, while others recorded deficits ranging from 20% to 43%. Hyderabad itself recorded a 28% deficit. Andhra Pradesh saw an even sharper regional divide, with Rayalaseema recording a 40% deficit, while Coastal Andhra and Yanam recorded a 17% shortfall.
The broader picture is also concerning. According to the IMD, India received just 87% of its long-period average rainfall, making the 2026 southwest monsoon the fourth-lowest since 2001. South Peninsular India received only 76% of its normal rainfall. However, the outlook offers some relief: the IMD expects normal rainfall over South Peninsular India during the October–December post-monsoon season, at around 88–112% of the long-period average. The late-September deep depression over the Bay of Bengal also helped improve rainfall conditions across parts of the region.
