As the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts an early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala by May 27, Mumbai and the broader Maharashtra region remain under the grip of rising temperatures and humidity.
While the southern state anticipates relief from the scorching heat, the western coast, including Mumbai, may have to endure the summer conditions a bit longer. The IMD’s prediction indicates that the monsoon will arrive in Kerala five days earlier than the usual date of June 1. This early onset is attributed to changing wind patterns and strong pre-monsoon activity in the region. However, officials from IMD Mumbai have stated that it’s premature to determine if this early arrival will influence the monsoon’s progression into Maharashtra.
“As of now, we cannot say if monsoon will arrive early in Mumbai and Maharashtra too. However, it is expected to arrive early in Kerala and wind patterns will tell how it progresses,” said an official from IMD Mumbai. In the meantime, Mumbai and its neighboring regions have been experiencing pre-monsoon showers, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms. These sporadic rains have provided temporary relief from the heat but have also led to increased humidity levels. The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for several districts in Maharashtra, warning of potential rainfall with thunder and hailstorms. However, no specific alert has been issued for Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), although thundershowers are expected until May 13.
For the next 48 hours, Mumbai is forecasted to have minimum and maximum temperatures of 25°C and 34°C, respectively, with partly cloudy skies and the possibility of light rains or thundershowers during the night. The cloudy weather is expected to persist throughout the week. “There are high chances of heavy rainfall in the interiors of Maharashtra. In Mumbai, the pre-monsoon rains have brought down the temperature; however, the humidity has increased. This is a typical seasonal weather, and high humidity will continue until the monsoon arrives,” explained a scientist from IMD Mumbai.
The IMD’s district weather forecast indicates that Thane and Palghar districts are expected to receive light rains or thundershowers until May 12. A Yellow Alert has been issued for May 13, predicting thunderstorms with lightning and moderate rains. Similarly, districts like Pune, Satara, and Nashik have been issued Yellow Alerts for the next five days due to anticipated thunderstorms with lightning and moderate rainfall. The IMD’s Monsoon 2025 outlook predicts that the state will receive above-normal rainfall in May, with the monsoon expected to be heavier than usual. The pre-monsoon rainfall coverage and changes in westerly wind patterns suggest that Mumbai could experience an early arrival of the monsoon this year.
While the early monsoon in Kerala brings hope for timely rains in other parts of the country, Mumbai’s residents must continue to cope with the current weather conditions. The city’s infrastructure and preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season remain crucial to mitigate potential challenges posed by heavy rains and associated disruptions. As the situation develops, the IMD continues to monitor weather patterns and will provide updates on the monsoon’s progression. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions during this transitional period.
Early Monsoon in Kerala May Not Reach Mumbai
