Mumbai witnesses below-average rainfall despite experiencing weeklong downpour
Mumbai has received less than half of its average annual rainfall this monsoon despite a week of heavy showers, BMC data shows. Between May 26 and July 28, Colaba recorded 957 mm while Santacruz logged 1,297.9 mm, even as IMD issued multiple weather alerts amid persistent downpours.
Mumbai: Despite a week of heavy downpours, Mumbai has received less than half of its average annual rainfall for this monsoon season, according to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Between the onset of the southwest monsoon on May 26 and July 28, the Colaba observatory recorded 957 mm of rainfall, amounting to just 45.68 per cent of its seasonal average.
In the past week alone, from July 21 to July 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued several weather warnings, including three orange alerts and one yellow alert, as the city was lashed by incessant rain. Santacruz registered 385.7 mm during this period, while Colaba received 211 mm.
IMD's weekly weather forecast for Mumbai
| Date | Min Temp | Max Temp | Weather Forecast | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-Jul | 26 | 31 | Generally cloudy sky with moderate rain | No warning |
| 30-Jul | 27 | 32 | Generally cloudy sky with Light rain | No warning |
| 31-Jul | 27 | 32 | Generally cloudy sky with Light rain | No warning |
| 01-Aug | 27 | 33 | Generally cloudy sky with Light rain | No warning |
| 02-Aug | 27 | 33 | Rain | No warning |
| 03-Aug | 26 | 33 | Rain | No warning |
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall for the city over the next five days, issuing a green alert for Mumbai.
Average annual rainfall in Mumbai over last 10 years
Mumbai’s average annual rainfall over the last decade has hovered around 2,639 mm, with most years exceeding this figure. In 2024, the city recorded 2,865 mm, while 2023 saw 2,702.7 mm. Other recent years include 2,397.1 mm in 2022, 2,749.7 mm in 2021 and an exceptional 3,444.7 mm in 2020.
July is traditionally the wettest month of the season, with Colaba typically receiving 882 mm and Santacruz 1,168 mm. However, a subdued start to this year’s monsoon delayed rainfall before it picked up pace in the past week.