Mumbai and its adjoining regions experienced unseasonal rainfall on Tuesday morning, according to official reports. This event represents the second instance of unexpected rain in India's financial capital during the current month, following similar conditions observed earlier.
Comparison with Previous Rainfall Event
The city had previously encountered unseasonal heavy showers on January 1, which caused some disruption. In contrast, Tuesday's rainfall was significantly milder in intensity. Most areas across Mumbai recorded only light rain or drizzle that lasted for a brief period, minimizing potential impacts on daily activities.
Geographical Distribution of Rainfall
While the majority of the island city and its suburban regions witnessed light drizzle, certain eastern suburbs received slightly more pronounced rainfall. Specifically, the belt extending from Ghatkopar to Bhandup experienced relatively heavier precipitation compared to other parts of the metropolitan area.
Weather Conditions and Official Warnings
The city had been under persistent cloud cover since Monday, creating conditions conducive to rainfall. A civic official confirmed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nowcast warning at 7 am on Tuesday morning. This warning predicted light spells of rain over Mumbai and the neighboring Thane district.
The IMD also implemented a yellow alert for the region, forecasting light rainfall for approximately three hours. Authorities advised residents to take necessary precautions during this period, though the overall impact remained limited due to the mild nature of the precipitation.
Context and Implications
Unseasonal rainfall during January is relatively uncommon in Mumbai, making these consecutive events noteworthy for meteorological observation. While Tuesday's rainfall was less intense than the earlier January 1 event, it underscores the variability in weather patterns that urban centers like Mumbai may experience.
The timely issuance of weather alerts by the IMD demonstrates improved forecasting capabilities and preparedness measures for unexpected weather phenomena in major Indian cities.
