Early monsoon likely as Mumbai braces for a rain-soaked week

Mumbai residents can expect some relief from the humidity, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light to moderate rain with thundershowers on Monday. The city will likely see cloudy skies, with temperatures ranging between 27°C and 33°C. Over the past few days, pre-monsoon showers have brought sporadic rainfall, cooling down the otherwise sticky conditions.

IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds in Mumbai, Palghar, Thane and Raigad until May 22. Meanwhile Kolhapur, Pune and Satara may experience heavier downpours and stronger winds.

Showers over the weekend offered much-needed relief to Mumbaikars, and the city could be in for more wet days ahead. According to IMD, the monsoon is likely to arrive earlier than its usual June 11 date. While Kerala is expected to welcome the monsoon by May 27, Maharashtra, including Mumbai, could see its onset in the first week of June. A low-pressure system developing over the east-central Arabian Sea later this week is expected to intensify rainfall across the Konkan coast and central Maharashtra between May 19 and 25.

With Mumbai in for heavy showers and gusty winds over the upcoming days, residents are advised to stay weather-aware and avoid coastal outings, especially as rough sea conditions are expected.