Mumbai rains: Persistent scattered showers ahead

Colaba received 420 mm of rainfall, surpassing its September monthly average of 355 mm. File Pic/Ashish Raje

Scattered and uneven rainfall is expected to persist in Mumbai and adjoining areas, though not extremely heavy downpours, according to meteorologists. As of 5.30 pm on Friday, the Colaba observatory of the India Meteorological Department recorded 77 mm of rain, while the Santacruz observatory only received 1 mm of rainfall. Meteorologists predict this uneven rainfall pattern will continue throughout the week.

Over the 24 hours leading up to Sunday, the Santacruz observatory registered 16 mm of rainfall at 8.30 am, with Colaba recording 21 mm. From September 1 to 24, the Santacruz observatory recorded 377 mm of rainfall, just below its average monthly quota of 383 mm. In contrast, Colaba received 420 mm of rainfall, surpassing its September monthly average of 355 mm.

According to Rajesh Kapadia of Vagaries of the Weather, a popular private weather blog, "Mumbaikars need not worry about a rainfall deficit. More rain is expected in the remaining days of September, likely exceeding the monthly norm. From September 25 to September 29, Mumbai can anticipate continued showers and thundershowers, with heavy rainfall in certain areas and occasional sunny spells." Kapadia added, "As predicted, Mumbai's monsoon is expected to continue until around October 10."

Private weather forecasting agency Skymet Weather predicts an increase in rainfall frequency starting on Sunday. They state, "Mumbai has seen light to moderate rainfall over the past two to three days. However, from September 24 onward, an increase in rainfall activity is expected, with heavy spells on September 24 and September 25. After September 26, rainfall activity is expected to decrease."

Skymet also mentioned on its blog, "More showers are expected over the state in the coming days. While rainfall activity may not be as heavy, fairly widespread rains with isolated heavy showers will be seen in the next two days. Northern parts of Maharashtra are expected to receive more rain over the next four to five days, with the Konkan region also experiencing some rainfall during this period."

Meanwhile, an official from the India Meteorological Department stated, "Until Sunday evening, Mumbai and Palghar have been placed on a green alert (indicating light rain) for September 25, while neighbouring Thane, Raigad, Pune and Nashik are on a yellow alert. These alerts will be upgraded or downgraded based on the evolving weather system."