Even as the southwest monsoon further advances into remaining parts of the central Arabian Sea, Konkan, Marathwada, Vidarbha and most parts of central Maharashtra, Mumbaikars’ long wait for the rain s
Even as the southwest monsoon further advances into remaining parts of the central Arabian Sea, Konkan, Marathwada, Vidarbha and most parts of central Maharashtra, Mumbaikars’ long wait for the rain seems to have come to an end. Although delayed arrival of the monsoon has affected overall average rainfall in June, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) experts expect heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places along the coastline in the next 48 hours.
On Monday, after continuous rainfall for 24 hours; the Colaba observatory recorded a total of 34mm rainfall, while Santa Cruz observatory recorded a total of 41mm rainfall. On Monday alone, Mumbai city, till afternoon, recorded 15.4mm; the eastern suburbs 1.58mm; and western suburbs 0.89mm rainfall.
Weather experts warned fishermen not to venture into the sea, stating that winds would be mainly westerly, temporarily blowing at 55km per hour.
“The sea will be rough with westerly waves. Fishermen are advised not to go out into the sea for the next 24 hours,” cautioned IMD Mumbai officials.
IMD Mumbai confirmed that Mumbai was set to witness rain and thundershowers in both city and suburbs over the next 24 hours. At the same time, heavy rainfall was likely to occur at isolated places in Konkan and Goa districts for 72 hours starting Tuesday morning.
However, experts from Skymet Weather Laboratory pointed out that unlike the usual pattern of the southwest monsoon, this time round, it had first covered most parts of Vidarbha and then advanced further. “This year, onset has occurred in reverse order and the monsoon penetrated Vidarbha first and subsequently covered parts of Marathwada. Furthermore, the monsoon covered entire Konkan and Goa including Mumbai during the last 24 hours,” they confirmed.
Experts further added that unlike every year when monsoon arrives in Mumbai with a bang with heavy pre-monsoon showers, this year, Mumbai recorded only 37 mm of rain as on June 11. Subdued rainfall activity was observed in Mumbai all through June. As the city is yet to witness heavy spells, both IMD and independent weather experts have pointed out that conditions are slated to improve significantly.
