Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reportedly forecasted that the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Mumbai within the next two days. This announcement comes just a day after the department revised its rainfall warning for the city from ‘orange’ to ‘yellow’.
Shubhangi Bhute, Director of IMD Mumbai, said on Saturday that heavy rains are likely to continue across the Konkan region and western Maharashtra in the next 24 hours. “Conditions are now favourable for the onset of the monsoon in Maharashtra, and it is expected to reach in the next two to three days,” she stated, as quoted by the Indian Express.
A low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea has intensified into a depression and is forecast to enter the Ratnagiri district, prompting a red alert for the area, as well as Satara and Kolhapur. Along with heavy rains, gusty winds of up to 50 kmph are expected in these regions.
According to the IMD’s five-day forecast issued on Friday, Mumbai and Thane remain under a yellow alert till May 28, suggesting moderate to heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and winds. However, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts have been issued a red alert for the next 24 hours, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. Following the red alert, an orange alert will be in place until Wednesday.
Red Alert For Western Maharashtra
In western Maharashtra, particularly in the hilly areas of Satara and Kolhapur, the IMD has issued a red alert for the next 24 hours. This will be followed by an orange alert till May 27. These warnings come in anticipation of the intensifying weather system moving inland from the Arabian Sea.
Over 800% Surplus Pre-monsoon Rainfall In May
Despite the monsoon not having officially arrived yet, Maharashtra has already seen its wettest pre-monsoon spell in over three decades. From May 1 to May 23, the state recorded an average rainfall of 79.6 mm, which is a staggering 844 per cent above the normal average of 7.9 mm for this period. This marks the highest pre-monsoon rainfall for Maharashtra since 1990, when 99.8 mm was recorded. The all-time highest for this period remains 113.6 mm, recorded in 1918.
With only a few days left in May, weather officials believe the current depression and active wind patterns are signs that the monsoon will begin advancing across the state soon, with Mumbai expected to see its official onset early in the coming week.
