Telangana’s 2026 monsoon is unfolding amid a strengthening El Niño, which the US-based NOAA officially flagged in mid-June 2026, raising concerns over erratic rainfall and farm stress. IMD projects 90–92% of normal rains in country, with possible deficits in parts of the state. Authorities are urging farmers to reduce water-heavy paddy cultivation and shift to millets, pulses, and cotton.