Though BMC data states that the season's highest tides are expected in the first three days of August, and will go above 4.70 metres on all occasions, VK Rajeev, director, regional weather forecasting center -- western region, Indian Meteorological Department, says the current wet spell will only last for 24 hours. "Continuous rain will last for the next 24 hours, and will gradually lose steam from thereon."

He put the current wet spell down to a large cloud patch over the Western coast which is drifting gradually. On July 30, 92.8 mm rain was recorded at Santacruz, and 63.2 mm at Colaba. The Western suburbs recorded 64.6 mm, Eastern suburbs 97.4 mm and the island city received 26.9 mm of rainfall.