Mumbai Braces for More Rain as Pre-Monsoon Showers Intensify

Mumbai is expected to experience continued pre-monsoon rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds from May 21 to May 24, driven by a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city saw significant showers on Tuesday, with eastern and western suburbs receiving heavier rainfall compared to central areas. This led to slowed traffic across the financial capital.

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, forecasting light to moderate rain and windy conditions through Sunday. On Monday, the IMD predicted cloudy skies with possible thundershowers or light rain, with temperatures ranging between 27°C and 33°C. Specific rainfall measurements from Saturday morning, between 8 am and 9 am, included 14 mm at Nair Hospital in the island city, 12 mm in Kurla and Powai in the eastern suburbs, and up to 20 mm in Khar West, 18 mm in Bandra West, 16 mm in Jogeshwari, 14 mm in BKC, 13 mm in Marol, and 11 mm in Aarey Colony in Goregaon.

Skymet Weather, a private forecaster, noted that Mumbai recorded its heaviest rainfall of the season, with intense showers expected to persist through May 24. They also indicated that a developing weather system over the Arabian Sea could intensify, potentially causing widespread heavy rain, particularly on May 23 and 24. Skymet further suggested a brief pause in rainfall on May 19, followed by renewed showers from May 20 onward. Another post from SkyWatchUpdates on X predicted increased rainfall from May 27 to May 31, driven by strong moisture from the Arabian Sea and a mid-upper level circulation near South Konkan.