Pre-monsoon downpour drenched Mumbai on Tuesday; heavier rain predicted till May 24

Mumbai was lashed by intense pre-monsoon showers on Tuesday evening, with thunderstorms and lightning sweeping across the city, particularly affecting suburban areas. More rain is expected, with the IMD predicting a fresh spell of heavy showers between May 21 and 24 due to a developing weather system over the Arabian Sea.

The western suburbs bore the brunt of the downpour, with Jogeshwari recording a substantial 63 mm of rainfall by 8 pm, followed by Andheri (Malpa Dongri) at 57 mm. In the eastern belt, Powai topped with 38 mm. Overall, the western suburbs averaged 26.63 mm while the island city experienced lighter showers at 12.86 mm.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that a low-pressure area is likely to develop over the Arabian Sea around May 22, potentially moving northward and intensifying. This system could bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to isolated areas. As a result, south Konkan, south central Maharashtra, and Mumbai are expected to be affected, leading to a yellow alert being issued for Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Nasik.

Additionally, the IMD has warned residents to prepare for continued wet weather, with a cyclonic circulation forecast to form over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast. This system is expected to influence Maharashtra’s weather significantly between May 21 and May 24.