Mumbai Rains: City Wakes Up To Heavy Showers As Monsoon Advances Swiftly, Waterlogging Reported In Some Areas; Visuals Surface

Mumbai: Mumbai woke up to heavy rains on Monday morning as the monsoon advances towards the maximum city. Waterlogging was reported in some areas of the city following overnight heavy downpours. More showers are expected to hit the city throughout the day.

Visuals from various parts of the city show heavy rains lashing the city, vehicles wading through water and commuters walking with umbrellas. Early morning visuals near the CSMT station show thunderbolts amid heavy showers and gusty winds.

IMD Issues Rain Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Maharashtra’s coastal districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, a yellow alert remains in place for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and other nearby districts, warning residents of moderate to heavy showers with thunderstorms throughout the day.

Mumbai has already witnessed above-average rainfall for May this year. As of May 25, the Colaba weather observatory recorded 159.2 mm of rainfall, while the Santacruz observatory reported 164.3 mm. In the last 24 hours alone, Colaba and Santacruz recorded 35 mm and 26.8 mm of rain, respectively, which is significantly higher than the city's usual May averages.

The southwest monsoon officially arrived in Maharashtra on May 25, about 10 days ahead of its usual onset date. According to IMD officials, the monsoon reached as far as Dapoli in Ratnagiri district by Sunday evening and is quickly progressing northward. The IMD has forecasted that the monsoon will reach Mumbai in the next two days.

Earliest Monsoon To Hit In Decades

If it hits the city on May 28, this will mark the earliest monsoon onset for Mumbai in recorded history. Previously, the earliest recorded onset dates were May 29 in the years 1956, 1962 and 1971. The typical arrival date for monsoon in Mumbai is June 11. This year’s early onset would also be the earliest in the last 15 years for the island city.

As the monsoon approaches, the IMD continues to maintain a yellow alert for Mumbai and its surrounding metropolitan regions, warning of ongoing rainfall activity and thunderstorms. Authorities have urged residents to stay cautious, particularly in low-lying areas prone to flooding and traffic disruptions.

(with inputs from Devashri Bhujbal)