After weeks of dry weather and rising humidity, parts of Mumbai received heavy rainfall on Monday morning, offering much-needed relief to residents and signaling the imminent arrival of the southwest monsoon in the city.
The showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, drenched several areas of south Mumbai and the western suburbs during the early morning hours. According to rainfall data, the island city recorded an average of 17 mm of rain between 6 am and 7 am, while the western suburbs received around 10 mm.
Among the areas that witnessed the heaviest downpour, Bandra West topped the list with 70 mm of rainfall. In south Mumbai, Worli Naka recorded 61 mm, followed by Lower Parel with 58 mm. Significant rainfall was also reported from Malabar Hill, which received 44 mm, and Worli, where 42 mm was recorded.
Visuals from several parts of the city, including Bandra East and the Eastern Express Highway, showed roads soaked under dark, overcast skies as commuters navigated the sudden spell of rain.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued unsettled weather over the next three days, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, moderate rainfall, and gusty winds ranging between 30 and 50 kmph at isolated locations across Mumbai and its adjoining areas.
Meteorologists say the rainfall is a strong indication that monsoon conditions are strengthening over the region. The IMD is expected to make an official announcement regarding the onset of the southwest monsoon over Mumbai once all the required meteorological criteria are fulfilled.
With more rain likely in the coming days, civic authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, particularly in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging and during periods of intense thunderstorms.
