With reference to the 2026 Southwest Monsoon in Telangana, consider the following statements: 1. The Hyderabad urban area saw a 41% rainfall deficiency. 2. The state recorded a 17% rainfall deficit against a normal of 740.6 mm. 3. The rainfall deficit was primarily attributed to the La Nina effect. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Telangana 2026 Southwest Monsoon ends with 17% rainfall deficit and El Nino effect

GS1History · Society · Geography· Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes)· Prelims· 30 September 2026

Climate change and El Nino impacts on monsoon variability: a GS1 Geography and GS3 Agriculture case study.

Why in news

The 2026 Southwest Monsoon in Telangana concluded with a 17% rainfall deficit, primarily attributed to the El Nino effect.

Background

Telangana received 615.5 mm of rainfall against a normal of 740.6 mm between June and September 2026. The state faced a 38% drop in rainfall compared to the previous year's 988.3 mm, with Jogulamba Gadwal recording the highest deficit of 41%.

Facts for Prelims

FactTelangana 2026 Southwest Monsoon rainfall: 615.5 mm (17% deficit against 740.6 mm normal)
FactJogulamba Gadwal district recorded the highest rainfall deficit of 41% in 2026
FactHyderabad urban area saw a 27% rainfall deficiency during the 2026 monsoon
PlaceEl Nino effect: A climate phenomenon leading to rainfall deficits across all months in Telangana in 2026

Prelims practice question

With reference to the 2026 Southwest Monsoon in Telangana, consider the following statements:

The Hyderabad urban area saw a 41% rainfall deficiency.
The state recorded a 17% rainfall deficit against a normal of 740.6 mm.
The rainfall deficit was primarily attributed to the La Nina effect.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (b) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The Hyderabad urban area saw a 27% rainfall deficiency. Statement 3 is incorrect: The deficit was primarily attributed to the El Nino effect.

For Mains

Q. Analyze how the El Nino phenomenon impacts the agricultural stability of Deccan Plateau states and suggest measures to mitigate monsoon variability.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Hydrological stress: Reduced groundwater recharge and reservoir levels affecting irrigation-dependent crop cycles
Climate adaptation: Need for heat-tolerant crop varieties to counter persistent post-monsoon high temperatures

Keywords: El Nino · Monsoon variability · Rainfall deficit · Climate resilience · Hydrological stress

Read the full news →Source: The Hindu ↗Also: GS3 · Climate change & international agreements Also: GS3 · Cropping patterns & irrigation

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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.