19 June,2024 03:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai woke up to rains on Wednesday/ Satej Shinde
The southwest monsoon, which had slowed after reaching Mumbai, is picking up pace and is expected to strengthen by June 21-11, said the India Meteorological Department. The IMD, per the PTI report, said that the progress is expected to bring relief to north India which is currently experiencing a severe heatwave.
"Monsoon activity was weak after it hit Mumbai, but it is slowly turning moderate. It will strengthen by June 21-22 and coastal Maharashtra is likely to receive good rainfall. Central Maharashtra, including Marathwada, will receive light to moderate rainfall during this time," Sunil Kamble, Head of the Regional Meteorological Department (IMD) in Mumbai told PTI.
According to the report, several parts of Mumbai on Wednesday morning received showers but it was not enough to alleviate the oppressive heat.
The monsoon arrived in Mumbai on June 9, two days ahead of the forecasted date. Since then, it has made minimal progress, having yet to reach regions of northern Maharashtra and Vidarbha, stated the report.
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Per the PTI report, India has received 20 less rainfall since the beginning of the monsoon season on June 1, with no notable development in the rain-bearing system between June 12 and June 18. On Tuesday, the IMD predicted that June would have below-average rainfall.
June and July are critical monsoon months for agriculture, as most Kharif crop sowing takes place during this period.
Mumbai weather update: Rain lashes several parts of the city
The city on Wednesday morning had woken up to overcast skies and several parts of the city and suburbs witnessed rains; the IMD stated that light to moderate rain is expected to continue through the day on Wednesday.
The IMD stated that the city's temperature was at 28.65 degrees Celcius today and that the maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 33 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees respectively for the next 48 hours.
Reportedly, IMD had issued a yellow alert for Mumbai for Wednesday and Thursday; the neighbouring cities including Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Pune will be under yellow alert status until June 23.
With ANI inputs
