Mumbai Weather Update: Yellow Alert; Know What to Expect This Week
Mumbai experienced light rainfall Sunday morning, providing relief from recent humid conditions. The early morning showers marked the start of what meteorologists describe as an active pre-monsoon period across the financial capital.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region through Tuesday, May 27. Officials predict light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at scattered locations across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts.
Weather Alert Downgraded From Earlier Warnings
The current yellow alert represents a significant downgrade from previous forecasts. IMD had initially issued an orange alert for Mumbai and a red alert for Raigad district, but revised predictions indicate less severe weather conditions than originally anticipated.
According to meteorological experts, the cyclonic system in the Arabian Sea remained farther south than expected, reducing its direct impact on Mumbai’s weather patterns. A notable decrease in rainfall recorded on Thursday, May 22, also contributed to the updated forecast.
Pre-Monsoon Activity Signals Early Onset
Despite the downgraded alerts, signs of early pre-monsoon activity continue to emerge, potentially leading to an earlier arrival of the southwest monsoon. Mumbai typically experiences monsoon onset around June 11, but current weather patterns suggest this timeline could advance.
A low-pressure area over the east-central Arabian Sea near the south Konkan coast is gradually strengthening and may develop into a depression. As of Friday morning, the system was positioned at latitude 17.00°N and longitude 73.30°E, approximately near Ratnagiri.
IMD officials report the weather system is moving eastward at roughly 5 kilometers per hour and is expected to make landfall before progressing inland across Madhya Maharashtra. The system will likely weaken into a well-marked low-pressure zone within 24 hours.
Rainfall Data and Humidity Levels
South Mumbai recorded 6.1 millimeters of rainfall on Friday, while suburban areas remained dry. However, humidity levels have remained elevated, with Colaba observatory registering 94 percent and Santacruz observatory recording 88 percent relative humidity.
Weather forecasters expect overcast skies and intermittent drizzle to continue through the weekend, particularly during evening hours.
Statewide Yellow Alerts Issued
The Regional Meteorological Center has extended yellow alerts across multiple Maharashtra districts, including Raigad, Nashik (including ghat areas), Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, and various districts in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions.
These areas may experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kilometers per hour at isolated locations. IMD has recommended residents remain vigilant, especially in lightning-prone areas and during outdoor activities.
The weather department continues monitoring the situation and will update forecasts as conditions develop across the region.