Why Mumbai Fell Short Of Surpassing Average June Rainfall This Year Despite Early Monsoon Arrival?

Mumbai: Despite the early arrival of the monsoon in Mumbai, the city has struggled to meet its average June rainfall quota this year. Typically, Mumbai receives around 537 millimetres of rain in June, but as of June 30, the suburbs recorded only 347 mm, marking a significant deficit of nearly 35 per cent.The monsoon officially set in on June 9, bringing nearly 100 mm of rainfall to various parts of Mumbai within 24 hours. However, subsequent weeks saw a decline in rainfall activity, leading to hot and humid weather conditions across the city.As per an Indian Express report, following a two-week lull, rain deficits in Mumbai's suburbs peaked at 52 percent last week, with the city division also registering a deficit of 50 per cent. The situation improved after June 20, when moderate to heavy showers returned, narrowing the deficit marginally. Sushma Nair, a scientist at IMD Mumbai, explained that despite the early onset, the westerly winds lacked sufficient strength to draw in moisture and generate heavy showers. Additionally, there were no significant rain-inducing weather systems observed in June.Despite intermittent rainfall spells, the suburbs of Mumbai remain nearly 190 mm short of their average June rainfall quota, resulting in an overall 35 percent rain deficit this month.Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed that from June 1 to June 30, the Santacruz observatory recorded 347 mm of rain, falling short by almost 190 mm from its typical average of 537 mm. Meanwhile, the Colaba coastal observatory fared better with over 507 mm of rainfall during the same period, categorised as "normal."Although IMD had forecast an above-average monsoon nationwide, Mumbai has yet to experience the intense, heavy showers characteristic of its monsoon season, attributed to the absence of robust weather systems that usually trigger downpours in the city.Weather experts like Mahesh Palawat from Skymet Weather Services highlighted the absence of conducive weather systems such as low-pressure areas and weak offshore troughs, which are essential for heavy rainfall. Consequently, Mumbai has seen a shortfall in very heavy showers this season.Looking ahead, while moderate showers are expected to continue, weather forecasts indicate that Mumbai may not witness intense rainfall in the coming days. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy showers in Mumbai and Thane on Monday, with no warnings in place beyond Tuesday.In the latest readings, the Santacruz station recorded 25 mm of rain between Saturday and Sunday morning, while Colaba received 15.8 mm during the same period.