Mumbai braces for rain: Monsoon likely to pace up ahead, experts heavy downpours expected

After months of hot weather conditions, as Mumbai eagerly awaited the full onset of the monsoon season, the city witnessed comparatively low rains in the beginning of June, the start of the monsoon season.

Although Mumbai is now suffering from a 40-50% shortfall of its June rainfall, meteorologists have indicated that the intensity of the showers would pick up after in the last days of month end. The city has been experiencing mild showers for the previous few weeks after an early beginning on June 9.

IMD's Chief Scientist Sunil Kamble told mid-day.com, "As on June 26, Mumbai had received around 200 mm of rainfall and the city generally receives around 400 mm of rainfall during this period, the city has already received around 50 per cent of the rains it usually witnesses. Unlike Mumbai, parts of Maharashtra and Goa have received a good amount of rainfall during the period. Mumbai is yet to receive rains since the month of June is yet to end. Looking at the weather conditions, it is expected to get a good amount of rain."

However, the weather experts are positive that the city will receive a good amount of rainfall in the coming weeks.

Kamble explained that the monsoon onset winds in the beginning were strong but gradually the winds became moderate slowing down the rains. Monsoon lasts for four months and according to the IMD predictions on Monsoon in India, the rainfall would be good in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the authorities have been preparing for a series of heavy rains expected to begin soon. Despite facing several obstacles at the start of the monsoon, the rains are likely to increase in the city, the experts suggest.

The weather predictions indicate a significant increase in rainfall from June 27 onwards, as westerly winds become more active. The first two weeks of July are expected to bring heavy rains to Mumbai.

Rushikesh Agre, Meteorologist and Weather Expert told mid-day.com, "Mumbai has faced many obstacles especially during the start of the monsoon season, it was already estimated that monsoon start would begin from the last week of June. Even a few factors are also taken into consideration before alerting for heavy rain. Factors such as cyclone formation, shear zone, delay the process for bringing heavy rainfall to what Mumbai observed earlier this month.

He said, "The rains in Mumbai are likely to rise from June 27, as westerlies will get active which will work in favour of rains. Looking at the present situation, the first two weeks of July are in favour of heavy rains for Mumbai. One must expect waterloggings in low lying areas during this period. For this year, even after the monsoon break, rain intensity could be high during September and October as compared to previous years."

In the days leading up to the expected rains, Mumbai has experienced excessive humidity and soaring temperatures, making conditions uncomfortable for residents. The lack of rainfall has caused a sharp rise in humidity in the city.

Agre further added, "Mumbai needs respite from heat as westerlies without rain give rise in humidity making weather very uncomfortable as observed in previous days. On June 26, Santacruz observatory saw a sharp rise of 36.4 degress Celcius."

The upcoming rains are crucial for replenishing Mumbai's catchment areas, which are currently at critically low levels. From June 28-29, significant rainfall is expected to contribute to the catchment areas, potentially raising water levels from the current 5% to between 9-12% by the end of June. July is typically the month when rainfall significantly impacts catchment areas, and this year's monsoon is expected to follow that trend.

Agre said, "About rain in catchment areas, from June 28-29 the contribution of rain in catchment areas may be witnessed more. The current levels, which are as low as 5%, may rise to 9-12% by the end of June depending on the intensity of rains. July is the month where rain contributes more for the catchment areas."

Meanwhile, the authorities in Mumbai have been preparing for the expected heavy rains in the city. The civic authorities have been operating at a full alert, an official said, adding that the city is nevertheless optimistic that the monsoon would restore water levels in the lakes that provide water to Mumbai, guaranteeing a steady supply of water in the months to come.