Telangana is shivering under a severe cold wave as temperatures continue to drop sharply across the state. Over the past few days, the minimum temperatures have plummeted drastically, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue Orange and Yellow Alerts for several districts. The department warned that the cold wave will intensify over the next 3–4 days and urged people to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
According to the Hyderabad Meteorological Centre, night temperatures are likely to range between 8.5°C and 12.5°C in the coming days. Mancherial, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Adilabad, and Asifabad districts have been placed under an Orange Alert, as temperatures in these regions could dip below 10°C. Other districts are under a Yellow Alert. Notably, Sirpur (U) in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad recorded the lowest temperature at 10.2°C on Tuesday night.
Rising Health Concerns
Doctors have warned that the cold weather is significantly impacting public health. Severe cold can cause hypothermia (a dangerous drop in body temperature) and frostbite (freezing of skin tissues). Cold weather also weakens immunity, making people more vulnerable to viral infections like pneumonia, cold, cough, and throat infections. Hospitals are already witnessing a rise in cases of flu and respiratory issues. People with chronic conditions like asthma and COPD are at higher risk, and skin dryness and cracking are also becoming common.
Precautions for Vulnerable Groups
Health experts have advised special care for children, the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with disabilities, and outdoor workers. They recommend wearing warm clothes, using gloves and socks, drinking warm water, and avoiding exposure to cold air. Asthma patients should keep their inhalers handy and wear masks when stepping out.
Experts reminded that Telangana is listed as a core cold-wave zone by India’s National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCCHH). With similar conditions developing again, citizens are urged to stay cautious and protect themselves from the extreme cold.
