Mumbai experienced light rainfall across various localities on Sunday morning, providing some respite from the hot and humid conditions that have prevailed over the past week. Between 6 am and 7 am, Worli recorded the highest rainfall at 25 mm, followed by Ghatkopar with 24 mm, Lower Parel with 21 mm, Chembur with 20 mm, and Mankhurd with 16 mm, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Temperature Drop After Morning Showers
The early morning rains brought down the minimum temperatures significantly. The IMD Colaba observatory recorded a minimum of 25.8 degrees Celsius, while the Santacruz observatory logged 26.7 degrees Celsius. This marked a notable drop from the previous day, when Saturday morning minimum temperatures stood at 28.6 degrees Celsius at both observatories.
Over the past week, the monsoon had remained stalled, leading to above-normal temperatures and high humidity across Mumbai. The city has been waiting for the official onset of the southwest monsoon, which missed its normal date of June 11.
Forecast: Gradual Increase in Rainfall from June 22
Akshay Sunil, Vice President and weather expert at Experiqs Pvt. Ltd, said, "Mumbai is likely to see a gradual increase in rainfall from June 22, with more frequent and organised spells expected between June 23-26. Forecasts indicate that strengthening low-level westerly winds and favourable mid-level circulation could improve moisture transport along the west coast."
He added, "The prolonged weak phase will finally begin to ease. However, the official onset of the southwest monsoon over Mumbai will depend on whether the required rainfall and wind conditions are sustained, with clearer conditions for its advance expected during the latter half of the week."
Why Monsoon Lost Momentum
Rajesh Kapadia of the weather blog Vagaries of Weather explained the reasons behind the stalled monsoon. He said, "The monsoon lost momentum due to an unfavourable combination of atmospheric and oceanic factors. A developing El Niño, suppressed Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), dry air intrusion over the subcontinent, a weak Somali Jet, and the absence of low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal have together stalled widespread rainfall."
These factors have collectively hampered the monsoon's progress, delaying its arrival over Mumbai and other parts of the west coast.
Looking Ahead
Residents can expect some relief as rainfall activity is likely to pick up from June 22 onwards. The IMD and private weather agencies will continue to monitor conditions for the official monsoon onset declaration. For now, the light showers on Sunday have offered a glimpse of the monsoon's potential, even as the city remains on alert for more organised spells in the coming days.
