MUMBAI: IMD said on Tuesday weather conditions were favorable for monsoon onset to be declared over Mumbai on June 9, and the city and adjoining areas like Thane can expect heavy rain at isolated places from Thursday (June 10), with IMD issuing a yellow alert.
The weather bureau issued an orange alert for June 12 (Saturday), indicating heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places.
June 9 is two days earlier than the official onset date.
Last year, the onset was on June 14.
Shubangi Bhute, scientist (IMD), said, “Many parts of Mumbai are already reporting rain.
Conditions are favorable for monsoon onset in Konkan region, including Mumbai.
There are chances of heavy rain in some areas in the coming days,” said Bhute.
IMD said thunderstorms accompanied with lightning/gusty wind and heavy rain at isolated places are very likely on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, many parts of the city recorded rain.
In the 24 hours (June 7-8), the rain reported by IMD Colaba was 21.8mm, while Santacruz recorded 20.7mm.
IMD said the rain in upcoming days was due to the likely formation of a low pressure area over North Bay of Bengal and neighborhood by June 11, and strengthening of westerlies.
“An active rainfall spell is expected over Konkan, Goa, and adjoining ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra from June 10 for 4-5 days,” said IMD.
Last year, the highest one-day rain recorded in June was on June 6 (64.9mm), while the total monthly rain recorded was 395 mm.
This year, total rain recorded at Santacruz has been 136mm (82mm above normal).
At Colaba, total rainfall so far has been 60.4mm (7.7mm above normal).
IMD suggested checking for traffic congestion on one’s route before leaving for any destination, and it urged people to follow traffic advisories, avoid areas that face water-logging often and not staying in vulnerable structures.
The Thane district administration restricted gatherings at popular waterfalls, lakes and dams.
Monsoon hangouts like Yeoor, Mumbra Retibunder, Malshej ghats, Barvi dam, Gaimukh and Uttan seashore, Khadavali river and others will be out of bounds after the district collector issued orders under section 144 of CrPC, Epidemic Act and Disaster Management Act.