After lull, monsoon to gather pace after June 19-20: IMD

Data furnished by the BMC showed that in the past 24 hours ending 8 am on Sunday, the eastern suburbs recorded 1.35 mm rain followed by the western suburbs where 0.60 mm rain was recorded and the island city division with 0.25 mm rain. Meanwhile, the IMD recording stations registered NIL rainfall during the same period. Even then the IMD issued a yellow warning for Mumbai and its neighbours on Sunday, in light of an incoming thunderstorm activity forecast.

The city’s dry spell is likely to come to an end this week with scientists forecasting a resurgence of monsoon activity starting from June 19 – 20.

Sunil Kamble, director of IMD Mumbai told The Indian Express, “Currently, the westerly winds are very moderate. Owing to the weak monsoon currents, the rain activity is very less. However, the monsoon currents are expected to pick up after June 19 – 20, following which the monsoon activity will also pick up.”

“We will monitor the developments of the winds over the next 2 – 3 days. On the basis of the observations, we will determine the intensity of the monsoon activity in the upcoming week,” added Kamble.

No warnings have been issued for the city in the upcoming week and the weather bureau stated that the district is likely to witness light to moderate showers until Thursday.

Meanwhile, temperatures have spiked in the suburbs and the city where maximum temperatures hovered between 33 and 34 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

The IMD has, however, forecast above normal monsoon in Mumbai this season, including in the month of June.