Monsoon Pauses in Mumbai After Record-Breaking Rainfall

Mumbai is set to experience a week-long respite from the heavy rainfall that has battered the city, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The southwest monsoon, which arrived 16 days earlier than its usual June 11 onset, brought unprecedented downpours, with the Colaba observatory recording 295 mm of rain in May, surpassing a 107-year-old record previously set in 1918. The early monsoon, which hit Mumbai on May 26, 2025, caused widespread disruptions, including severe waterlogging, traffic congestion, and flight delays at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

IMD scientist Sushma Nair noted that the intense rainfall was largely due to a low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea, which fueled heavy showers across south Mumbai and neighboring districts like Raigad, Thane, and Ratnagiri. The IMD had issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall, followed by a yellow alert as the rain eased. On Tuesday, the city saw a slight reprieve with lighter showers, though waterlogging persisted in low-lying areas like Khar and Belapur.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported significant rainfall across the city, with Nariman Point recording 252 mm and the BMC headquarters logging 216 mm between May 25 and May 26. The heavy rains exposed gaps in Mumbai’s monsoon preparedness, with metro services suspended at Acharya Atre Chowk station due to flooding from a collapsed water-retaining wall. The BMC faced criticism for incomplete pre-monsoon preparations, as drain cleaning and flood mitigation efforts were not fully executed before the early rains.

The IMD forecasts partly cloudy skies with occasional rain or thunderstorms through May 31 and June 1, with temperatures expected to rise to 33°C. Authorities urge residents to stay cautious, as the monsoon is expected to resume its intensity after the week-long break.