Mumbai experienced the arrival of the southwest monsoon on Sunday, 9th June, two days ahead of the expected date, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This early onset mirrors occurrences in 2021 and 2018 when the monsoon also arrived on 9th June. The announcement follows significant rainfall in Mumbai and other parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Thane and Kalyan, during the night of 8th June.
The IMD’s Colaba observatory recorded 8.8mm of rainfall, while the Santacruz observatory noted 19.8mm over the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday. IMD officials stated that the criteria for declaring the onset of the monsoon had been met, with several locations recording over 2.5mm of rain and the strengthening of westerly winds. “Due to the gradual strengthening of westerly winds associated with the southwest monsoon, a steady increase in rainfall activity is expected over parts of Maharashtra in the next 2-3 days. We anticipate rain activity to continue until 14th June, after which we will reassess the situation,” said an IMD Mumbai official.
Despite the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) asserting the completion of pre-monsoon preparations, including desilting of drains and suspension of road repairs until post-monsoon, local residents remain sceptical. “In Bandra, several roadworks are incomplete, leaving the locality in disarray,” reported a concerned resident.
The early monsoon rains highlight the importance of effective urban planning and infrastructure readiness. The BMC’s claims of pre-monsoon readiness will be put to the test as the city braces for sustained rainfall over the coming days. Effective management of waterlogging and traffic disruptions will be crucial to maintaining normalcy in the city during this period.
The monsoon’s early arrival underscores the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies. The IMD’s proactive measures in monitoring and declaring the onset of the monsoon are critical for enabling timely preparations and mitigating potential disruptions. As Mumbai navigates the early monsoon season, the coordination between meteorological insights and civic infrastructure will play a pivotal role in ensuring the city’s resilience against seasonal challenges.
