Hyderabad is expanding rapidly, and with this growth comes increased pollution from countless vehicles. This situation is causing an “urban heat island effect,” which is leading to heavy rainfalls in the city. This heat draws moisture from nearby districts, resulting in significant evening rains during this monsoon season.
Since June 1, the city has seen 27% more rainfall than usual. Residents are puzzled as the heavy downpours mostly hit central parts of Hyderabad rather than surrounding areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided explanations for this. GNRS Srinivas Rao, a senior meteorologist, explained that the city’s skyscrapers and expansion over 30 to 40 square kilometers are creating significant heat.
According to their forecasts, rain should have occurred in Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Mahabubnagar, and Yadadri. However, moisture is being drawn into Hyderabad, causing the formation of large cumulonimbus clouds, a phenomenon known as the “urban heat island effect.”
The presence of many vehicles, widespread use of air conditioners, and industrial pollution have increased the city’s temperature by four to five degrees compared to surrounding districts. This rise in temperature is noticeable compared to the previous monsoon season.
IMD officials noted that the lower layer of air is denser and colder, while the upper air is warmer and lighter, creating lower pressure. This movement causes the development of cumulonimbus clouds initially on the outskirts, which then lead to heavy rains unexpectedly, as observed this year.
On Monday, the city experienced severe rainfall. Areas like Banjara Hills recorded 103.8 mm, while Srinagar Colony and Khairatabad received 97.8 mm and 87.8 mm, respectively.
