Hyderabad recent intense cloudbursts and heavy rain spells aren’t just a weather phenomenon they’re a consequence of the city’s own rapid urbanization, according to scientists from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The city’s growing concrete jungle, filled with glass-clad buildings and vast expanses of paved surfaces, is a major contributor to a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years.
The Urban Heat Island Effect
A key culprit behind Hyderabad’s extreme rain events is the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon occurs when urban areas become significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas. Cities absorb and retain heat from sunlight and human activities. The heat is then slowly released, creating a warm pocket over the city.
According to Dr. Akashapu Dharma Raju, an IMD scientist, glass and concrete are particularly effective at retaining heat. When the air over the city is warmer than the surrounding areas, cooler, moisture-laden air from outside rushes in. This moisture, combined with vapor from within the city, contributes to the formation of rain-bearing clouds that eventually empty their contents over the city.
Air Pollution as a Rainfall Catalyst
In addition to the heat island effect, air pollution, particularly dust pollution, plays a significant role. Dust particles can act as nuclei around which water molecules condense to form raindrops. While the Telangana Pollution Control Board’s data may show pollutants within acceptable limits, the city’s 14 air quality monitoring stations are deemed woefully inadequate for a city covering 750 square kilometers. These dust particles, often rising to the same altitude where rain clouds form, are contributing to the intensity and frequency of the downpours.
Record Rainfall and Future Outlook
A study by IMD Hyderabad scientists, published in the Journal of Earth System Sciences, found that the city has been on an upward trend in rainfall. The data for this monsoon season supports this finding. As of September 16, 2025, Hyderabad has already received 81 cm of rain, a significant jump from the normal average of 56 cm for the season. This increase is mirrored across the state of Telangana, which has seen 83 cm of rain compared to its normal average of 63 cm.
These figures underscore the urgent need for Hyderabad to prioritize and upgrade its flood management infrastructure. The study warns that even a 2 cm rain spell can cause flooding, and the city has been experiencing much higher rainfall in just a matter of a few hours.