Monsoon arrives in Mumbai, marking the earliest onset in 75 years, says IMD

In a post on X, IMD stated that the southwest monsoon advanced to Mumbai on Monday, ahead of the usual date of June 11. The monsoon has thus arrived in the city 16 days earlier than normal, marking its earliest arrival

Amritpal Singh Sanhotra Amritpal Singh Sanhotra
May 26, 2025 - 20:31
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Monsoon arrives in Mumbai, marking the earliest onset in 75 years, says IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest Mumbai weather update, stated that the southwest monsoon has arrived in Mumbai on Monday. This is the earliest arrival of rains in the past 75 years, the weather bureau stated, adding that Mumbai is experiencing heavy showers a fortnight before the anticipated date. 

IMD scientist Sushma Nair said, “Southwest monsoon made its onset over Mumbai on May 26. This is the earliest onset in the last 75 years."

Usually the monsoon arrives in Mumbai by June 11. According to the statement released by Nair, the monsoon last arrived this early on May 29, 1956. It arrived on the same date in 1962 and 1971. IMD Mumbai has upgraded its previously issued ‘orange alert’ to a ‘red alert’ as the city continues to experience heavy rainfall since Sunday night.

Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in its latest monsoon report gave a comprehensive overview of weather conditions in Mumbai over the preceding 24 hours. 

According to data from the Colaba and Santacruz weather stations, the city recorded significant rainfall of 135.4 mm, while the suburbs received 33.5 mm. The municipal rain gauges indicated average rainfall figures of 58 mm in the city, 20 mm in eastern suburbs, and 15 mm in the western suburbs. The rain also gave some respite from the heat. Colaba recorded maximum and minimum temperatures of 29.3 degrees Celsius and 23.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. Santacruz recorded maximum and minimum temperatures of 30.5 degrees Celsius and 25.7 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The report also stated that the city recorded high tides reaching up to 4.88 metres, leading to waterlogging in several low-lying areas such as Hindmata, Dadar TT, and Marine Drive.

The city is likely to experience thunderstorms with heavy rain and gusty winds for the next 24 hours.

Due to continuous heavy rains, 32 tree or branch fall incidents were reported in the city, along with five partial building collapses, and waterlogging at multiple locations. No casualties were reported in these incidents.

Additionally, rail and road transport services were disrupted in parts of the city due to water accumulation on tracks and roads, especially affecting the Central and Harbour railway lines and several bus routes. Emergency services were actively deployed to manage the situation.

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