Mumbai
oi-Ashish Rana
Light to moderate rainfall lashed several parts of Mumbai on Sunday morning, providing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat and humidity. The showers arrived after a delayed onset of the southwest monsoon and at a time when the city is grappling with a growing water shortage due to dwindling reservoir levels.
Mumbai experienced light to moderate rainfall, offering relief from heat following a delayed monsoon, though the city faces water shortages due to low reservoir levels, prompting BMC-imposed usage restrictions.
Rainfall Activity Picks Up Across Mumbai
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions are becoming favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance further into parts of Maharashtra. The monsoon had entered South Konkan earlier this month, but its progress slowed because of unfavourable atmospheric conditions.
Data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that Ramabai Municipal School in Ghatkopar recorded the highest rainfall between 6 am and 7 am with 24 mm. Chembur Fire Station received 20 mm of rain, while Mankhurd Fire Station recorded 16 mm during the same period.
Several Areas Record Significant Showers
Rainfall intensified in some parts of the city between 7 am and 8 am. Worli Seaface Municipal School and Savitribai Phule Municipal School registered the highest rainfall during the hour, with 25 mm each.
The G-South ward office in Lower Parel recorded 21 mm of rainfall, while Worli Fire Station received 17 mm. The showers brought cooler temperatures and offered temporary respite from the uncomfortable weather conditions experienced over the past several days.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert For Maharashtra Districts
The IMD’s Nowcast warning has placed several districts under a yellow alert due to expected weather activity. The districts include Chandrapur, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur, Bhandara, Gondia and Gadchiroli.
Meteorologists have indicated that the improving weather pattern could help the monsoon advance further across Maharashtra in the coming days, potentially increasing rainfall activity in several regions.
Water Shortage Remains A Major Concern
Despite the rainfall, Mumbai continues to face a serious water crisis caused by the delayed monsoon and low water levels in the seven lakes that supply drinking water to the city.
The reservoirs, which are usually replenished during the monsoon season, have witnessed lower-than-normal inflows this year. As a result, water reserves have fallen significantly before the peak monsoon period.
In response, the BMC has imposed a 20 per cent cut in water supply to industrial, commercial and sports establishments. Authorities have also suspended water supply to construction sites and swimming pools, while no new water connections for construction projects will be approved until further notice.
The civic body has further directed residents and establishments not to use drinking water supplied by the BMC for washing vehicles, watering gardens or cleaning roads and premises. Citizens have been urged to rely on alternative water sources for such activities as the city awaits stronger monsoon rains.
