Mumbai has recorded a high amount of rainfall this year despite a dry spell in June. Most of Mumbai’s rain falls during the monsoon months between June to September. July is usually the wettest month.
So far, the Colaba observatory has already received 1187 mm of rain since May. This is about 57% of its total average annual rainfall of 2095 mm.
The Santacruz station in the suburbs has received 1028 mm so far. That accounts for 44% of its yearly average of 2319 mm. Santacruz usually receives 855 mm of rain in July. However, this year the city’s monsoon rain has stayed below normal so far. Santacruz has seen a 13% rainfall deficit from June to July 6.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the dry spell in June was due to the absence of active weather systems. These systems are needed to trigger monsoon currents and convection. The high rainfall recorded so far is mostly because of strong pre-monsoon showers in May.
This year, the southwest monsoon reached Mumbai early on May 25. It entered the Mumbai harbour earlier than usual. This early start helped increase the water level in the seven lakes that supply drinking water to the city.
According to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai's seven main reservoirs surpassed 71% of their total capacity, with Modak Sagar and Middle Vaitarna lakes being practically full as of Tuesday, July 8.
Tuesday saw the continuation of extensive rain, which is predicted to continue over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow advisory till July 10 for Mumbai. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for nearby districts until at least July 9. Heavy rain and strong winds are also likely.
Water is currently being released at a rate of 3,000 cusecs from gates 1, 3, and 5 of the Middle Vaitarna Dam, which are raised by 30 cm.