MUMBAI: The first spell of pre-monsoon rain brought tragedy and disruption to the city on Tuesday night, as a falling Gulmohar tree killed three people—including an autorickshaw driver and two passengers—in Kalyan East. The tree collapsed on their vehicle during a thunderstorm, which swept through Mumbai and its suburbs.
The downpour, accompanied by strong winds and lightning, caused widespread transport disruptions:
- Suburban trains across multiple lines were delayed.
- Flight operations were hit, with 14 flights diverted by 11 PM, according to aviation sources.
Several neighbourhoods, including Andheri, Bandra, Kandivli, Mulund, and Bhandup, experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperature and relief from the recent heat and humidity.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert, Nowcast Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a yellow alert for May 6-7, predicting rain and thunder activity. A nowcast warning issued at 9:35 PM on Tuesday warned of:
- Thunderstorms with lightning
- Moderate rain
- Gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph
- Affected regions include Mumbai city and suburbs, Thane, Palghar, and Nashik.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and exercise caution when outdoors, as more unstable weather is expected over the next few hours.
Cause of the Weather Disturbance
The unseasonal rainfall is attributed to a very strong western disturbance—a cyclonic circulation that had previously been located over central Pakistan and has now moved over west Rajasthan and nearby regions, according to the IMD.
Rainfall Records
Pre-monsoon showers in May are not new for Mumbai. According to IMD data:
- In 2024, the city has recorded 21.3 mm of pre-monsoon rain so far.
- In comparison, 2023 saw just 3.4 mm during the same period.
