IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Maharashtra from 9 to 11 June

The monsoon arrived in south Maharashtra on Thursday, signalling the start of the rainy season. The rains have reached Kolhapur, Satara, and Sangli, indicating the spread of monsoon showers in the area.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) from June 9 to 11. This comes after IMD issued a 'heavy rain warning' for Mumbai and Thane during the monsoon onset dates.

And it is confirmed, Heavy to very heavy rain in Mumbai & MMR on 9-11 June, 2024 🔴

Amidst IMD issuing 'heavy rain warning' for Mumbai & Thane, during the monsoon onset dates itself, Mumbai & adjoining areas will receive heavy to very heavy rains on 9-10 June amid vortex forming… https://t.co/sVQcFdjmPm pic.twitter.com/LU17QjxRT3

— Mumbai Rains (@rushikesh_agre_) June 7, 2024

Heavy rainfall is expected in Mumbai and surrounding areas on June 9 and 10 due to a vortex over the Maharashtra coast and an active shear zone. This is likely to result in significant rainfall, with Mumbai expecting over 100mm and isolated areas possibly exceeding 150mm.

The expected rainfall marks a promising start to the monsoon season, offering relief from the sweltering heat. The strengthening of westerly winds associated with the southwest monsoon is expected to increase rainfall over Maharashtra in the next five days.

Heavy rainfall is forecasted over Konkan and adjoining ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are also expected. Maximum and minimum temperatures in Mumbai are forecasted to reach approximately 35 and 29 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The IMD has issued alerts for Mumbai and Thane in response to heavy rain warnings. A 'heavy rain warning' has been issued for isolated places in Mumbai and Thane for June 10, with gusty winds of 50-60kmph expected. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Mumbai and Thane from June 7 to June 10, indicating thunderstorms, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds of 40-50kmph at isolated places for the first three days.

Despite the impending monsoon, Mumbai is facing a water shortage with a 10% water cut. The civic body has stated that water cuts will continue until satisfactory rainfall. The IMD has announced the official monsoon onset date for Mumbai as June 11.

On Thursday, Mumbai experienced above-normal temperatures both day and night. The IMD Colaba and Santacruz observatories recorded higher-than-average temperatures. These conditions signal the transition into the monsoon season, offering much-needed rainfall to alleviate the city's water scarcity and provide relief from the heat.