Mumbai: After Karnataka and Kerala, Mumbai has also been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past two to three days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now predicted that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Mumbai within the next two to three days.
According to the IMD, this marks the first time in 16 years that the monsoon is arriving in Mumbai during the month of May. Currently, the rainfall being experienced in Mumbai, Thane, and nearby areas is classified as pre-monsoon showers, which have been occurring intermittently since last week. Notably, the city recorded heavy downpours from Saturday night through Sunday morning.
On Sunday, the IMD reported that the monsoon has already advanced into Kerala earlier than usual and is now moving northwards towards Maharashtra. While monsoon showers typically begin in Mumbai around mid-June, favourable weather conditions this year suggest that the seasonal rains could start before the end of May.
As of now, the northern limit of the monsoon has reached Devgad in Maharashtra, which is ahead of the usual schedule. The IMD’s update issued on May 25 indicates that Mumbai may see the official onset of the monsoon within the next two to three days. Widespread rainfall is expected in several parts of the state as a result.
Dr. Shubhangi Bhute, head of the regional meteorological department, stated that the monsoon has arrived about a week earlier than usual and weather conditions across Maharashtra are highly conducive to rainfall. She added that widespread showers are expected across the state soon.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, and adjoining areas until May 27. Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for the hilly regions of Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara, Pune, and Kolhapur. These regions are expected to receive heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph over the next five days.
Interestingly, Mumbai and its suburbs have recorded over 100 mm of rainfall so far this May — and there’s still a week left in the month. Meteorologists noted that such rainfall in May has not been observed in several decades. According to BMC records, as of 6 a.m. on Saturday, no rainfall was recorded over the lakes that supply water to Mumbai. However, on the same date last year, light rain was recorded over Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, and Bhatsa lakes.
Historically, Mumbai has seen early monsoon arrivals in late May on a few occasions. The monsoon reached the city on May 29 in 1956, 1962, and 1971, while in 1990 and 2006, it arrived on May 31.
Experts say that the early arrival of the monsoon could bring much-needed relief to farmers. However, it also presents a challenge for municipal and civic authorities who must now expedite preparations for the rainy season.