Mumbai: Monsoon has officially arrived in the city that never stops. Notably, the monsoon has made its earliest arrival in the last two and a half decades. The rainfall in the month of May has broken the city's record of 107 years.
Heavy rains lashed the city on Monday morning, leading to widespread disruption in daily life, including traffic congestion, waterlogging and delays in local trains.
The southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai, marking its earliest onset in the city in the last 25 years, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. According to the weather agency, the monsoon has advanced 16 days ahead of its scheduled date of June 11.
A red alert has been issued in Mumbai after incessant rains and thunderstorms lashed the city. While waterlogging disrupted suburban trains and slowed road traffic, it also exposed the vulnerabilities of Mumbai’s newly operational underground Metro 3, known as the Aqua Line.
"For the first time in history, we are witnessing the monsoon entering Mumbai as early as May 26. This is the earliest onset ever recorded in the city. South Mumbai received the highest rainfall, with Colaba recording 135 mm... Given the current cloud development, an orange alert has been issued," IMD Mumbai Director Shubhangi Bhute was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
With heavy rains forecast to continue through the week, Mumbaikars are advised to avoid waterlogged areas and underpasses, Keep emergency supplies and medicines handy, check weather updates before heading out.