Mumbai experienced significant rainfall as the south-west monsoon made an early arrival, two days ahead of the usual onset date of June 11. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that total rainfall recorded by the Colaba and Santacruz observatories from June 1 stands at 65.4mm and 89mm, respectively. On Monday, Colaba recorded 9.8mm of rainfall, while Santacruz received 4.5mm between 8.30am and 8.30pm.
Despite the initial forecast predicting heavy rains from Sunday through Wednesday, the IMD has revised its outlook, now expecting a reduction in rainfall intensity from Tuesday onwards. A yellow alert remains in place for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, indicating potential thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds on Tuesday, followed by moderate rain activity for the rest of the week.
Late Sunday saw several Mumbai areas, including Mahim, Shivaji Park, Dadar, Parel, Tilaknagar, and Bandra, experiencing moderate rain, thunder, and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds. Between 7pm and 9pm, substantial rainfall was recorded in various parts of the city: Sion received 35mm, Wadala 24mm, Reay Road 21mm, and Worli 18mm. In the eastern suburbs, Chembur recorded 29mm, while the western suburb of Bandra saw 14mm of rainfall.
Heavy rains from Sunday evening until midnight led to significant water accumulation in low-lying areas. Worli recorded 158mm, Dadar 142mm, Vikhroli 158mm, Powai 145mm, and Ghatkopar 114mm. An independent meteorologist from the Konkan weather blog attributed the heavy rainfall to a well-embedded upper air cyclonic circulation within the east-west shear zone.
The IMD’s official stated, “We do not expect any intense rain activity this week and will closely monitor the situation.” The heavy downpour caused waterlogging in certain low-lying areas, including the Andheri subway, which was temporarily closed to traffic. However, by Monday morning, the rain had subsided, and there was no major inconvenience to motorists. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that its teams worked tirelessly to drain rainwater from the affected areas. In recent years, the monsoon has similarly arrived early, such as on June 9 in both 2018 and 2021. The proactive measures by the BMC and the accurate forecasts by the IMD have helped the city manage the early monsoon showers effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life and activities.
Mumbai residents and authorities remain vigilant, prepared for any weather changes, as the city transitions from the early monsoon onset towards a more manageable rainfall pattern in the coming days.
