Mumbai, after enduring a spell of oppressive heat and humidity, is on the cusp of receiving much-needed respite as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts imminent rainfall across the city.
Residents can anticipate a welcome drop in temperatures, with minimums expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius and maximums reaching approximately 33 degrees Celsius. The atmospheric conditions are characterised by a humidity level of around 68 per cent, with westerly winds prevailing at a moderate speed of 16 kilometres per hour. The day in Mumbai commenced with sunrise at 6:03 AM, and sunset is anticipated at 7:08 PM. The broader Maharashtra region is also poised to experience light to moderate rainfall across numerous districts, offering a collective sigh of relief from the prevailing warmth.
The IMD has issued a comprehensive advisory, predicting widespread rainfall activity across the state from today, May 19, through to May 25. The Konkan region, which includes the bustling metropolis of Mumbai and its surrounding metropolitan areas, along with Madhya Maharashtra, are particularly likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall during this period. On Sunday, the Santacruz observatory in Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.6 degrees Celsius, under skies that were predominantly cloudy, contributing to the humid conditions. However, the forecast for today indicates a significant shift, with thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds expected to sweep through the city, potentially providing a considerable cooling effect.
In response to the anticipated weather patterns, the weather department has issued an orange alert for several districts across Maharashtra, signifying the likelihood of moderate to heavy rainfall. These districts include Nashik, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Kolhapur, and Satara, urging residents and local authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for potential disruptions. Furthermore, the Ratnagiri district is bracing for even more intense weather, with predictions of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, underscoring the need for heightened caution in these areas.
The current pre-monsoon rainfall being experienced in Mumbai is a result of a confluence of meteorological factors and the region’s unique geographical positioning. The interplay of westerly winds, which are drawing moisture-laden air from the Arabian Sea, coupled with the formation of a trough, a low-pressure region that enhances atmospheric instability, and the influence of an anticyclone, a high-pressure system also situated over the Arabian Sea, are collectively contributing to this early precipitation. This complex interaction of weather systems is effectively transporting substantial amounts of moisture towards Mumbai, leading to the anticipated rainfall and the promise of a temporary reprieve from the recent hot and humid conditions that have characterised the city’s weather.
Also Read: Mumbai Braces for Heavy Pre-Monsoon Rains This Week
