Expect heavy showers for two more days

Mumbai has been witnessing heavy rainfall since Friday (June 18). During the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Saturday, Santacruz recorded a rainfall of 283.4 mm and Colaba recorded 208.8 mm. To add to this, rains in the next 48 hours will be worse as heavy showers are expected.

There is an offshore trough along the west coast, and also a cyclonic circulation off the Gujarat coast, which is likely to develop into a low-pressure area. Because of this, Mumbai can expect heavy rains over the next two days (today and tomorrow). It would be advisable not to go close to the sea.

Konkan, as a whole, has also been experiencing heavy rain, and, in addition, some places in the interiors of Maharashtra have also experienced good rainfall.

Speaking in terms of the monsoon, this is its onset and, so far, it has been performing well. These spells of heavy showers should contribute significantly to the overall rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning to fishermen, advising them not to venture into the sea. IMD has also issued a port warning regarding rough seas.

As of now, conditions are favourable for the further onset of monsoon into Gujarat. The recently installed Doppler weather radar is of immense use for tracking the cloud movements and resultant precipitation. It is being utilised to the maximum extent.

SMS alerts are also being sent to disaster management authorities and other agencies. This ensures a quick and effective way to disseminate warnings.

The author is Director, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre.