Climate Shift? Mumbai’s Early Monsoon Raises Questions After 107-Year Rain Record Falls
Climate Shift? Mumbai’s Early Monsoon Raises Questions After 107-Year Rain Record Falls
In a rare and dramatic shift in weather patterns, Mumbai experienced an exceptionally early monsoon, arriving nearly 16 days ahead of schedule and breaking a rainfall record that had stood for over a century. The city received an astonishing 295 mm of rain in May, surpassing the previous high of 279.4 mm recorded back in 1918.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon hit Mumbai on May 26 the earliest onset in nearly 70 years. Traditionally, Mumbai expects the monsoon to arrive around June 11, making this year’s early downpour both historic and unexpected.
While the early showers offered a welcome respite from the sweltering summer heat, they also brought significant challenges. Low-lying areas were quickly inundated, traffic came to a standstill, and train services on the Central and Harbour lines faced major delays due to waterlogged tracks. In just one hour between 9 and 10 AM, Nariman Point alone recorded 104 mm of rainfall.
The IMD promptly issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, warning of continuous heavy rains. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed about weather advisories.
However, meteorologists caution that this early onset doesn’t necessarily guarantee a strong or sustained monsoon. Dr. Akshay Deoras, a weather researcher, noted that global climate shifts may impact the season’s consistency. A low-pressure system forming over western Russia, along with dry winds from Pakistan and Afghanistan, could temporarily stall rainfall in Maharashtra after May 27. According to him, the monsoon may remain subdued until around June 5.
As Mumbai reels from this early burst of monsoon activity, experts continue to monitor what could be a volatile weather season. For now, the city has witnessed a rare climatic milestone an unseasonal deluge that’s both record-breaking and revealing of larger climatic shifts at play.
