Monsoon Hits Mumbai Ahead Of Schedule But Experts Say True Rains Yet To Arrive

Heavy downpours swept across Mumbai as the southwest monsoon made an early entry into India’s financial hub, nearly two weeks before its typical onset. While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officially declared the arrival of the monsoon in Mumbai, Pune, and Solapur on Monday, weather analysts suggest that the current rainfall may not signify the monsoon's full impact just yet.

According to meteorologists, much of the rainfall experienced in parts of Maharashtra over recent days was a result of pre-monsoon activity, including thunderstorms and hailstorms, rather than sustained monsoon patterns. Although monsoon winds have reached parts of South Mumbai, experts point out that the essential characteristics of the seasonal system — particularly winds from the southwest — are not yet fully established. Currently, winds in cities like Mumbai and Pune are reportedly blowing from the northwest, signaling a delay in the monsoon's true progression.

Dry Air To Disrupt Monsoon Flow

From May 28 onward, dry air masses originating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Gulf region are forecasted to enter India. These air currents are expected to collide with the southwesterly monsoon winds moving in from Kerala, a clash that typically leads to cloud formation and localized rainfall. However, this interaction could also temporarily slow down the monsoon’s advance, especially across Maharashtra.

Weather models predict a brief dry spell in the state between May 30 and June 5, with temperatures likely to rise during this period. 

Patchy Rainfall Patterns Expected 

While the IMD forecasts that the monsoon will cover the remaining parts of Maharashtra by Wednesday, its intensity may vary across regions. A low-pressure system developing near the Odisha coastline is likely to weaken rainfall across the state—excluding Konkan—between May 30 and 31. Since May 28, central Maharashtra and Marathwada have already experienced a dip in rainfall intensity.

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