Mumbai is expected to continue witnessing light rainfall and cloudy skies over the next few days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted no major rain activity until August 21. The reduced rainfall comes as the El Niño weather system continues to strengthen, influencing the monsoon across the country.
According to the IMD, Mumbai, Thane and Raigad are likely to experience light showers accompanied by overcast conditions throughout the week. No fresh weather alerts have been issued for the region.
Data released by the weather department showed that between Sunday and Monday morning, the Santacruz observatory recorded 5.8 mm of rainfall, while the Colaba observatory received 1.6 mm. During the same period, the eastern suburbs recorded the highest average rainfall at 8.18 mm, followed by the western suburbs with 5 mm and the island city with 1.5 mm.
Unlike July, August has remained relatively dry for Mumbai. As of August 17, the Santacruz station has recorded only 255 mm of rainfall, which is around 45 per cent of the city’s average August rainfall of 560.8 mm.
Meteorologists attribute the slowdown to the strengthening El Niño system over the Pacific Ocean. According to the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a 69 per cent chance that the current El Niño could become one of the strongest recorded since 1950.
Despite the weaker rainfall this month, Mumbai had an exceptionally wet July. The Santacruz observatory recorded 1,491.9 mm of rainfall between July 1 and July 30, exceeding the city’s average rainfall for the month by nearly 66 per cent.
Thanks to the heavy rainfall received earlier in the monsoon season, Mumbai has already recorded 2,160.8 mm of rain between June and August 17. This accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the city’s average seasonal rainfall of 2,390.5 mm.
The healthy monsoon in July has also ensured that Mumbai’s water reserves remain comfortable. As of Monday morning, the seven lakes supplying drinking water to the city were filled to 92.16 per cent of their total capacity, holding around 13.33 lakh million litres of water.
While the current forecast offers relief from heavy downpours, residents can continue to expect cloudy skies and occasional light showers over the coming days. Meteorologists will continue monitoring the evolving El Niño conditions, which are expected to play a key role in determining the remaining course of this year’s monsoon.
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