El Niño-linked summer may bring rains early, heatwaves later in 2026
HYDERABAD: Telangana is likely to see a split summer pattern in 2026, with relatively wetter conditions and normal temperatures in the early phase, followed by intense heatwaves later in the season, according to a preliminary summer forecast linked to the development of El Niño conditions.
Weather analysts said the first half of summer — covering the second half of February, March and April — is expected to record intermittent rainfall and near-normal summer temperatures. This phase is unlikely to witness extreme heat, offering some relief compared to recent years.
The second half of summer, however, is forecast to be significantly drier, with severe heatwave conditions likely during May and the first half of June. Day temperatures are expected to rise sharply during this period, raising concerns over heat stress and water demand.
Forecasters said the overall summer pattern in 2026 could mirror that of 2023, which saw a delayed buildup of heat followed by prolonged and intense heatwaves before the monsoon.
A late onset of the southwest monsoon is also being anticipated this year, which could extend extreme summer conditions into June in parts of Telangana and neighbouring regions.
