Mumbai braces for rain: Monsoon likely to pace up ahead

After months of hot weather conditions as Mumbai eagerly awaited the full onset of the monsoon season the city witnessed comparatively low rains in the beginning of June the start of the monsoon seasonAlthough Mumbai is now suffering from a 405037 shortfall of its June rainfall meteorologists have indicated that the intensity of the showers would pick up after in the last days of month end The city has been experiencing mild showers for the previous few weeks after an early beginning on June 9IMDs Chief Scientist Sunil Kamble told middaycom As on June 26 Mumbai had received around 200 mm of rainfall and the city generally receives around 400 mm of rainfall during this period the city has already received around 50 per cent of the rains it usually witnesses Unlike Mumbai parts of Maharashtra and Goa have received a good amount of rainfall during the period Mumbai is yet to receive rains since the month of June is yet to end Looking at the weather conditions it is expected to get a good amount of rainHowever the weather experts are positive that the city will receive a good amount of rainfall in the coming weeksKamble explained that the monsoon onset winds in the beginning were strong but gradually the winds became moderate slowing down the rains Monsoon lasts for four months and according to the IMD predictions on Monsoon in India the rainfall would be good in the coming daysMeanwhile the authorities have been preparing for a series of heavy rains expected to begin soon Despite facing several obstacles at the start of the monsoon the rains are likely to increase in the city the experts suggestThe weather predictions indicate a significant increase in rainfall from June 27 onwards as westerly winds become more active The first two weeks of July are expected to bring heavy rains to MumbaiRushikesh Agre Meteorologist and Weather Expert told middaycom Mumbai has faced many obstacles especially during the start of the monsoon season it was already estimated that monsoon start would begin from the last week of June Even a few factors are also taken into consideration before alerting for heavy rain Factors such as cyclone formation shear zone delay the process for bringing heavy rainfall to what Mumbai observed earlier this monthHe said The rains in Mumbai are likely to rise from June 27 as westerlies will get active which will work in favour of rains Looking at the present situation the first two weeks of July are in favour of heavy rains for Mumbai One must expect waterloggings in low lying areas during this period For this year even after the monsoon break rain intensity could be high during September and October as compared to previous yearsIn the days leading up to the expected rains Mumbai has experienced excessive humidity and soaring temperatures making conditions uncomfortable for residents The lack of rainfall has caused a sharp rise in humidity in the cityAgre further added Mumbai needs respite from heat as westerlies without rain give rise in humidity making weather very uncomfortable as observed in previous days On June 26 Santacruz observatory saw a sharp rise of 364 degress CelciusThe upcoming rains are crucial for replenishing Mumbais catchment areas which are currently at critically low levels From June 2829 significant rainfall is expected to contribute to the catchment areas potentially raising water levels from the current 537 to between 91237 by the end of June July is typically the month when rainfall significantly impacts catchment areas and this years monsoon is expected to follow that trendAgre said About rain in catchment areas from June 2829 the contribution of rain in catchment areas may be witnessed more The current levels which are as low as 537 may rise to 91237 by the end of June depending on the intensity of rains July is the month where rain contributes more for the catchment areasMeanwhile the authorities in Mumbai have been preparing for the expected heavy rains in the city The civic authorities have been operating at a full alert an official said adding that the city is nevertheless optimistic that the monsoon would restore water levels in the lakes that provide water to Mumbai guaranteeing a steady supply of water in the months to come