MUMBAI: After a period of intense rainfall, Mumbai and its surrounding areas are experiencing a temporary reprieve, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting only moderate showers through to Friday. The current lull follows a particularly wet July, which saw substantial precipitation levels across the region.
As of Monday, water levels in Mumbai’s seven key lakes, which supply the city’s drinking water, have reached 13.39 lakh million litres, amounting to 92.6% of the total required capacity. This is a significant improvement, with the lakes expected to reach full capacity of 14.47 lakh million litres by September 30, reflecting a positive outlook for the city’s water supply.
The IMD’s five-day forecast, covering August 12 to 16, indicates that while moderate rain is anticipated, the severity of the rainfall will be notably reduced compared to recent weeks. A green alert has been issued, suggesting no immediate threat of severe weather conditions. Following a wet July, which saw substantial rainfall, the first half of August has been relatively dry. The IMD’s Colaba and Santacruz observatories have recorded total seasonal rainfall of 2,032 mm and 2,237.4 mm respectively.
Notably, the Santacruz station observed 347 mm of rain in June and a significant 1,702 mm in July, with a current monthly total of 188 mm for August. Temperature readings in Mumbai on Monday hovered around 30°C, with the Colaba observatory recording a maximum of 30.5°C and Santacruz slightly warmer at 30.7°C. This stable weather provides a temporary respite for the city, which has been grappling with heavy rains and associated challenges.
The reduction in rainfall, combined with the high water stock in the lakes, suggests that Mumbai is currently in a favourable position regarding its water resources. However, the IMD’s forecast highlights the need for continued vigilance as the monsoon season progresses. The current weather conditions offer a window for both residents and authorities to prepare for any future weather-related events and to manage resources efficiently.
