Mumbai records highest May rainfall since the year 2000

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the onset of monsoon season in Mumbai on Monday. The city experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. According to IMD`s latest update, the city received 135.4 mm of rainfall until 8.30 am on Monday. Meanwhile, South Mumbai received 252 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours until 11 am on Monday. These records marked the highest rainfall received in the month of May since May 19, 2000. 

On Monday, Mumbai woke up to heavy rainfall across all regions. In the past few days, the city had experienced intense showers. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds lashed the city, causing significant disruption. The downpour affected suburban rail services and slowed traffic due to poor visibility in several areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert about thunderstorms, heavy rains, and strong winds, all of which Mumbai experienced on Monday. Majorly affected areas include Nariman Point, Dadar, Mahim, Parel, Bandra, Kalachowki, and several other parts of the city.

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 recorded significant rainfall of 144.3 mm, while the Santacruz received  74.3 mm of rainfall. 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 temperatures of 26.4 degrees Celsius, whereas Santacruz recorded maximum temperatures of 28.7 degrees Celsius.

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.