Light to moderate rain to continue in Mumbai for 48-72 hours: IMD

The city witnessed heavy rainfall when cyclone Tauktae hit last month. Pic/Anurag Ahire

The monsoon winds, which are currently moving at a fast pace into the state, have been causing a phenomenon called ‘convective rainfall' in Mumbai all through the weekend - a trend that is likely to continue for the next 48-72 hours.

Speaking to mid-day, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said that although the agency had not officially declared a date for the onset of monsoon, it had already advanced in parts of North Konkan.

"This trend of light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is likely to continue for the next 48-72 hours," said an IMD official. "We will have moderate rainfall not only in Mumbai but across the west coast. This rainfall activity is expected to continue. The primary reason for it is that the westerly winds are over the coast. These winds bring in moisture, which is why the west coast is receiving rainfall."

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On Sunday afternoon, IMD Mumbai had warned of the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall at isolated places in the districts of Dhule, Jalgao, Nandurbar, Nashik, Pune, Satara and Aurangabad. As of June 6, the southwest monsoon winds had already entered the districts of Sangli, Satara, Pune, Solapur, Osmanabad, as well as some parts of Raigad.

When asked about the current weather patterns in Mumbai, due to which days are bright and sunny but evenings are cloudy followed mostly by light to moderate rainfall late at night and in the wee hours, the official said, "These are pre-monsoon patterns, the westerlies are very close in the Konkan area. Monsoon in parts of north Konkan has also advanced today."

Another IMD official said, "Light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue for the next two to three days in the Mumbai suburbs. Monsoon activity has started in Alibag, Pune and parts of Marathwada. There is cyclonic circulation in upper and lower air currents." The official added, "Mumbai can expect light to moderate rainfall along with thunder. However, there won't be any relief from high temperatures unless it rains continuously."