Mumbaikars may get some respite from the heat, as the weather bureau has predicted moderate to heavy rain, with isolated spells of very heavy rain, from Friday in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Mumbai has recorded 55% rainfall deficit in the suburbs and 70% in south Mumbai. Between 8.30 am on Wednesday and 8.30 am on Thursday, south Mumbai recorded moderate showers (43.8mm) while light rain was recorded in the suburbs (4.1mm). While the weather stations at Santacruz and Colaba both recorded no rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Thursday, there were scattered light showers across isolated areas in the city in the evening.
The intensity of the rain is likely to rise during the weekend, the weather bureau hinted. KS Hosalikar, deputy director general, western region, India Meteorological Department (IMD), told the Hindustan Times, “This will be the first proper monsoon spell this season. Monsoon currents over the west coast are active with the presence of an offshore trough (a weather system), and a cyclonic circulation currently over north Konkan adjoining south Gujarat. Both weather systems are likely to pave the way for isolated spells of heavy rain while moderate showers are expected on Friday and the weekend.”
As per Skymet Weather, the intensity of rains would be heavy on June 28, while they will peak on June 29. Rains would reduce on June 30 but light to moderate rains would continue. Mahesh Palawat, vice president (meteorology and climate change), Skymet told the leading daily, “Rain intensity is likely to peak on Saturday. However, rainfall intensity is likely to reduce from Sunday (June 30) and thereafter till July 4, light to moderate showers are expected for Mumbai.”