Mumbai receives pre-monsoon showers as IMD forecasts monsoon arrival within 48 hours

Light rainfall lashes Colaba, where dignitaries had arrived to take part in an International Day of Yoga programme, on Sunday. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Mumbaikars woke up to a spell of pre-monsoon showers on Sunday morning in Kurla, Andheri, Powai, Parel, Worli, Dadar, and Bandra. This was the third such occurrence since May 29, as the southwest monsoon (SWM) is yet to make its entry into the city, which has been experiencing hot and humid weather this month. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), no waterlogging was reported in the city on Sunday. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon is likely to arrive in Mumbai by June 23.

Sunday's rain

Between 6 am and 7 am, the rainfall recorded in Ghatkopar, Chembur, Mankhurd, Worli, and Lower Parel was 24 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 25 mm, and 21 mm, respectively. The Santacruz weather station, whose readings are considered those of Mumbai, recorded 2 mm of rainfall on Sunday, while its Colaba counterpart recorded 7 mm. Mumbai received pre-monsoon showers on May 31 and June 3. From June 1 to June 21, Santacruz and Colaba recorded 14.9 mm and 13.5 mm, respectively.

Reason for delay

According to IMD, the climatic conditions were not favourable for the advancement of the southwest monsoon in Maharashtra. It has not advanced in the state since June 8. A senior IMD official told mid-day on Sunday evening, "We expect the monsoon to arrive in Mumbai by June 23. So anytime within the next 48 hours, we may see monsoon rainfall. We are seeing favourable conditions for the arrival of the monsoon today [Sunday]."

Dates of arrival

The latest arrival of the SWM in Mumbai was on June 25, 2019 and 2023, according to IMD data. In contrast, the earliest arrival of the SWM in Mumbai was May 26, 2025, 16 days ahead of schedule and the earliest in 75 years.

Forecast for city

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai for the duration until Wednesday, indicating a "thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and light-to-moderate showers with gusty winds."

Water situation

At 5.30 am on Sunday, Mumbai had only 8.68 per cent of water stock left in the seven lakes that hydrate the city. Of the full capacity of 14,47,363 million litres, the lakes at present have only 1,25,585 million litres of water. This year, the catchment areas of these lakes have received a total of 20 mm of rainfall so far, with Tansa receiving 13 mm and Modak Sagar receiving 7 mm. Mumbai's lakes had 198 per cent less water on June 21 compared to the same day in 2025.