Mumbai records second coldest May morning in 40 years

Mumbai experienced an unusually cool morning on Wednesday, with the minimum temperature in Santacruz dropping to 20.6°C. This marks the second coldest May morning in the city in the last 40 years. The record low for May stands at 20.2°C, recorded back in 1985.

Athreya Shetty, a crop scientist and independent weather forecaster, shared on social media that the sudden dip in temperature was caused by a cold front and unseasonal rainfall triggered by a western disturbance. “At a chilly 20.6°C this morning, #Mumbai Santacruz recorded its 2nd coldest May morning on record in the last 40 years!” he wrote. The weather pattern, commonly seen in winter, has made an unusual appearance in early May.

At a chilly 20.6°C this morning, #Mumbai Santacruz recorded it's 2nd coldest May morning on Record in the last 40 years!

The ATR for the lowest minimum in May stands at 20.2°C recorded in 1985.

All thanks to the #ColdFront and #MumbaiRains brought by the WD.

Dc IMD

— Athreya Shetty 🇮🇳 (@shetty_athreya) May 8, 2025

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and several surrounding districts, including Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ahmednagar. The alert signals possible thunderstorms, gusty winds, lightning, and localised rainfall. The warning remains in effect through May 10.

Rainfall has been reported across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In Navi Mumbai, 26.98 mm of rain fell on Wednesday, with Vashi recording the highest at 41 mm. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) also reported two tree fall incidents and three fire calls during the storms.

Cloudy skies and moderate temperatures have brought relief from the typical May heat. In Navi Mumbai, the Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast thunderstorms and rain for Thursday, with temperatures ranging between 27°C and 31°C. These readings are roughly 3°C below the seasonal average.

IMD's short-term forecast suggests the city will continue to see cloud cover and intermittent rain over the next 48 hours. On May 8, thunderstorms with rain are expected, with temperatures between 24°C and 31°C. On May 9, skies will stay generally cloudy, with light drizzle and a slight increase in the day temperature to 32°C.

The weather is expected to stabilise after May 10th. Between May 11 and 13, Mumbai will likely experience partly cloudy skies. Minimum temperatures will stay around 25°C, while the maximum could rise gradually to 34°C.

The cause behind this unseasonal weather is a western disturbance that initially formed over central Pakistan and has since moved into western Rajasthan and adjoining regions. This system has pushed cooler air and moisture toward the Konkan coast, leading to rain and a drop in temperatures.

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

The costliest water from Narmada is putting a financial burden on Indore 

Indore’s Ramsar site Sirpur has an STP constructed almost on the lake 

Indore Reviving Historic Lakes to Combat Water Crisis, Hurdles Remain

Indore’s residential society saves Rs 5 lakh a month, through rainwater harvesting

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel for video stories.