Hyderabad: A searing heatwave continues to grip Telangana, with 29 out of 33 districts recording a maximum temperature above 40°C on Sunday, while parts of the state simultaneously faced thunderstorms. According to the Telangana Development Planning Society, the mercury touched 43.8ºC in Nirmal district, followed closely by Kamareddy and Nizamabad at 43.5°C each.

Medchal-Malkajgiri recorded a peak temperature of 41.6°C and Hyderabad 40.4°C, with hot, dry winds blowing through much of the afternoon.

Even as the heat persisted, a shift in weather patterns brought unexpected rainfall and wind damage in several districts, triggered by an active western disturbance over West Iran and its cyclonic circulation.

In Yadadri, strong winds uprooted trees near Tekulasomaram, leading to traffic congestion along the Chityal-Bhuvanagiri road. Isolated hailstorms were reported in Jangaon, while light to moderate rain occurred in multiple locations across the state.

The IMD has issued thunderstorm warnings for 23 districts over the next two days, including Hyderabad.

These conditions are expected to continue until April 21, after which dry weather is likely to return across the state from April 22 to 26.

The Meteorological Centre has predicted a gradual rise of 2ºC to 3°C in daytime temperatures over the coming days, even as residents were told to brace for another round of thunderstorms in several districts, including Suryapet, Hanamkonda, Siddipet, and Sangareddy.