Mumbai’s wait for the southwest monsoon continues, with the city experiencing hot and humid weather even as the rainy season advances across other parts of Maharashtra.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon is currently running about five days behind its normal schedule in Mumbai. While the monsoon typically reaches the city around June 11, its progress has slowed significantly this year, leaving residents waiting for sustained rainfall.
Meteorologists say a combination of dry atmospheric conditions and weak monsoon systems is responsible for the delay.
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Two key factors behind the delay
The IMD has identified two major reasons behind the slowdown in the monsoon’s advance. The first is the presence of dry westerly winds over northern and northwestern India. These winds are blocking moisture-laden southeasterly winds from the Bay of Bengal, restricting the monsoon’s movement into central and western parts of the country.
The second factor is the absence of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Meteorologists say such weather systems typically help pull the monsoon further inland. However, current forecasts indicate that no significant low-pressure area is likely to develop during the remainder of June.
In addition, large-scale atmospheric changes, including the return of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean and western disturbances, have also influenced rainfall patterns across the country.
Monsoon stalled in South Konkan
According to IMD data, the monsoon remains stalled over parts of the south Konkan region despite entering Maharashtra on June 6.
An IMD official told The Indian Express that although the monsoon surge has weakened, moisture incursion and active westerly winds are still likely to trigger thunderstorms and scattered rainfall across several districts.
The weather department said the monsoon has advanced into parts of Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri and Kolhapur districts, but further progress has slowed in recent days.
As a result, Mumbai may witness isolated light showers or thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours, but significant rainfall is unlikely in the immediate future.
When will monsoon reach Mumbai?
Weather experts expect monsoon activity to strengthen around June 20, which could bring more widespread rainfall to Mumbai and neighbouring regions.
The IMD has said conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance into the remaining parts of Maharashtra and several other states over the next four to five days.
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Officials are also optimistic about the formation of a seasonal trough stretching from west Rajasthan to West Bengal, which could help channel moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and support further monsoon advancement.
Until then, Mumbai is expected to continue experiencing humid weather, scattered showers and occasional thunderstorms while awaiting the arrival of steady monsoon rains.
FAQs
Q1. Why has the monsoon been delayed in Mumbai?
According to the IMD, dry westerly winds and the lack of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal have slowed the monsoon’s progress towards Mumbai.
Q2. When is the monsoon expected to reach Mumbai?
Weather experts and the IMD expect monsoon activity to strengthen around June 20, bringing more widespread rainfall to Mumbai and surrounding areas.
