Mumbai experienced a brief respite from intense heat on Thursday evening as unseasonal rains swept across the city, following a day where temperatures soared close to 36 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department reported Santacruz reaching 35.9 degrees Celsius, above the normal average.
After days of blistering heat, Mumbaikars finally got a brief respite on Thursday evening as unseasonal showers swept through several parts of the city. The relief, however, came after a day of intense humidity and scorching sunshine that pushed temperatures close to 36 degrees Celsius across both the island city and the suburbs.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory in the suburbs recorded a maximum temperature of 35.9 degrees Celsius, which is 2.2 degrees Celsius above normal, while Colaba’s coastal observatory was close behind at 35.8 degrees Celsius. The oppressive heat made the day almost unbearable for residents until clouds began to gather by evening, followed by rain and thunder activity across several pockets of Mumbai and neighbouring districts such as Thane.
Data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm, Colaba received 15 mm of rainfall, Bhandup recorded 16 mm, and areas along LBS Road saw 12 mm. Despite the sudden downpour, officials confirmed that railway operations and city traffic remained unaffected, offering a rare moment of relief for commuters accustomed to disruptions during such spells.
According to The Indian Express report, although the southwest monsoon officially withdrew on October 10, meteorologists noted that recent rain activity was linked to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep, accompanied by easterly and northeasterly winds prevailing at lower atmospheric levels over southern India. These weather systems, experts said, have temporarily triggered the showers and kept the atmosphere heavy with moisture.
While Thursday’s rain briefly cooled the air, IMD officials noted that the high moisture content has intensified humidity, keeping discomfort levels high even after the showers. The weather bureau forecast indicates that rainfall may continue across parts of the Konkan region for the next three to four days, but Mumbai itself is likely to stay dry through the weekend, beginning Friday. Temperatures are expected to rise further on Friday, suggesting that the city’s brief tryst with cooler weather may not last long.
https://www.timesnownews.com/mumbai/mumbai-rains-live-cyclonic-circulation-brings-heavy-rain-to-mumbai-but-how-long-will-this-relief-from-heat-last-article-153012515