Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall early Monday morning, bringing the sprawling metropolis to a standstill once again. The downpour severely impacted morning rush hour commuters, with significant disruptions across the city. Notably, the Andheri subway was forced to shut its operations due to extensive waterlogging, exacerbating traffic woes for thousands. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed this heavy rainfall to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, which is intensifying monsoon activity over Maharashtra’s coastal belt.
Mumbai’s Santacruz weather station recorded a substantial 114.6mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 AM on Monday, marking the city’s first triple-digit rainfall for July. In contrast, the Colaba observatory registered a mere 11.2mm, highlighting the uneven distribution of showers across different parts of the city. According to the IMD, partly cloudy skies are predicted for the remainder of the day, with a continued likelihood of moderate rain or thunderstorms in some areas. The possibility of isolated heavy rainfall in specific pockets persists, and moderate showers are expected to continue throughout the day.
Despite the intense precipitation, the IMD has not issued a red alert for the city but has advised caution, particularly for those commuting during evening hours. The recurrence of waterlogging in crucial underpasses like the Andheri subway underscores the persistent urban infrastructure challenges Mumbai faces annually during the monsoon season. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, urging residents to stay updated on traffic advisories and plan their travel accordingly to mitigate further inconvenience.
Mumbai’s early morning downpour underscores the city’s enduring vulnerability to monsoon disruptions. While the IMD predicts continued moderate showers, residents must remain prepared for potential waterlogging and traffic delays. Ensuring public safety and minimizing inconvenience during such weather events remains a critical priority for civic authorities in the bustling metropolis.
