Mumbai experienced a sudden and intense spell of rain early Monday morning, bringing parts of the city to a near standstill and offering a strong indication that the monsoon is arriving earlier than usual this year.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the city, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds likely at isolated locations throughout the day. The rain, which began in the early hours, quickly led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas. Commuters heading to work faced long delays on key routes, including the Western Express Highway, Eastern Express Highway, and major arterial roads across the suburbs. With dark clouds hovering overhead and steady rain continuing into the morning, visibility was reduced and traffic slowed to a crawl in many parts of the city.
According to IMD, the rain is linked to a weather system that had developed as a depression over Madhya Maharashtra and has now weakened into a low-pressure area while moving east-northeastwards. This system has enhanced rainfall across central Maharashtra, Marathwada, and northern Karnataka, pushing up moisture levels along the western coast and accelerating the seasonal shift toward the southwest monsoon. Temperatures in Mumbai have cooled slightly, ranging between 23°C and 31°C, offering relief from the intense heat of recent weeks. However, the early and intense rains have reignited concerns about the city’s infrastructure and its readiness to cope with prolonged wet spells. Waterlogging, potholes, and traffic congestion continue to plague commuters during the early days of the rainy season.
The IMD has forecast continued rainfall across Mumbai, Thane, and the wider Konkan coast over the next few days. The monsoon’s official arrival in Mumbai is now expected within the next 48 hours, possibly making it one of the earliest monsoon onsets recorded in the city’s history. Urban planners and civic authorities are closely watching the developments. The early rains are a critical test of the city’s pre-monsoon readiness measures, including drainage cleaning and road repairs. For many Mumbaikars, however, the start of the rains is as much about emotional connection as it is about inconvenience—signalling a shift in the season, routines, and daily life.
With weather systems still active and the IMD monitoring developments closely, residents are being advised to stay alert, especially in flood-prone neighbourhoods. Authorities have urged people to check traffic and weather updates before stepping out and to exercise caution during the next few days of unpredictable rain.
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