Mumbai Weather Shock: Early Monsoon Triggers Flood Alerts, Disrupts Life
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| Credit _Dainik Bhaskar |
Mumbai is in the midst of an unusually early monsoon season, with the rains arriving on May 26, 2025, a full two weeks ahead of the typical schedule. This marks the earliest monsoon onset since 2001, catching the city somewhat off guard. Over the past 24 hours, Mumbai has been drenched with substantial rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording 161.9 mm in Colaba and 144.2 mm in Santacruz, making it the heaviest 24-hour rainfall for May since 2021 and the second highest in the past decade. The island city recorded 106 mm, while the western suburbs saw 72 mm and the eastern suburbs 63 mm. This intense downpour led to significant waterlogging in low-lying areas like King’s Circle, Hindmata, and Gandhi Market, exacerbating traffic snarls and disrupting daily life. The incomplete pre-monsoon desilting of drains and nullahs has been a key factor in the flooding, as the city’s infrastructure struggled to cope with the sudden deluge.
As of today, May 27, 2025, the IMD forecasts a cloudy day with moderate rainfall across Mumbai, accompanied by occasional thunder, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated areas. The severe red alert issued yesterday has been downgraded to a yellow alert, signaling light to moderate showers with thundershowers expected throughout the day. Temperatures are hovering around 29°C, with a high of about 31°C and a low of 27°C, but the high humidity level of 81% is making conditions feel stickier and more uncomfortable. Winds are blowing at approximately 8.75 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 10.18 km/h, adding a slight chill to the damp air.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain unsettled for the rest of the week. The IMD predicts maximum temperatures of 31°C on Tuesday, dipping slightly to 30°C on Wednesday and Thursday, then climbing back to 31°C on Friday and Saturday before settling at 30°C on Sunday. Rainfall is likely to persist, with varying intensity, keeping the city on alert for potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Neighboring regions like Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri are under red alerts for very heavy rainfall, while Raigad is on an orange alert, suggesting that the broader Konkan region is also bracing for significant monsoon activity.
The early monsoon has exposed gaps in Mumbai’s preparedness, with ongoing complaints about incomplete drain-cleaning efforts and choked stormwater systems. Residents are advised to stay cautious, avoid waterlogged areas, and keep track of real-time weather updates from the IMD or local authorities. Public transport, including buses and trains, may face delays, and commuters should plan for extra travel time. While the city is no stranger to monsoon chaos, this early and intense start serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared for the weeks of rain ahead.
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