Mumbai Monsoon Intensifies Lake Levels Soar Past 82 Percent
Mumbai and its metropolitan regions are anticipating increased rainfall activity this week as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert. This alert covers Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the next four days. Raigad district has been placed under an Orange Alert, indicating a likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall, urging heightened caution across the broader metropolitan area.
The local weather forecast for Mumbai city and its suburbs anticipates generally cloudy skies with moderate spells of rain over the next 48 hours, coupled with the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated places. Temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius for the maximum and 25 degrees Celsius for the minimum. As of July 20 morning, Mumbai has already received 32.70% of its average annual rainfall of 2207 mm. Civic data further indicates that the city area recorded 639 mm rainfall, while the eastern suburbs received 809 mm, and the western suburbs saw 713 mm.
Crucially, due to decent downpour in the catchment areas, the lakes that supply water to Mumbai have collectively crossed 82% of their total capacity, bringing significant relief from potential water cuts this year. The early arrival of the monsoon and consistent heavy rainfall have been instrumental in this development. Water from Upper Vaitarna was released starting July 5, followed by the opening of two gates of Middle Vaitarna on July 7, and the Modak Sagar dam began overflowing on July 9. The Hydraulic Engineering’s Bhandup Complex has recorded a substantial 832 mm rainfall so far this season. The total water stock in the seven lakes now stands at 82.07% of their 14,47,363 mm capacity, with Middle Vaitarna at 93.94% and Modak Sagar nearly full at 99.50%. Tansa stands at 91.43%, Upper Vaitarna at 75.98%, Bhatsa at 77.21%, Tulsi at 52.02%, and Vihar at 52.68%.
Across Mumbai, the substantial increase in lake levels brings significant relief to the city’s water supply concerns for the year. Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and dam levels closely. Residents are advised to stay updated on advisories as the monsoon intensifies, ensuring safety amid ongoing heavy rainfall and associated weather phenomena.
