Amidst southwest monsoon further progressing into Karnataka alongside the central Arabian Sea on Monday, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the monsoon is slated to enter Maharashtra and Goa in the next 4–5 days. As per meteorologists, conditions are favourable for the onset of monsoon in Mumbai between June 8 and 10. On Monday, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), in a statement, said, "The southwest monsoon has advanced into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, some more parts of Karnataka, Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra, some parts of Telangana and some more parts of west central and northwest Bay of Bengal, as of Monday, June 3." Speaking to The Indian Express, Sunil Kamble, director of IMD Mumbai, said, "Owing to this development, we are expecting southwest monsoon to arrive in Goa and parts of Maharashtra over the next three to four days. We will be monitoring developments after monsoon enters Maharashtra, to determine the date of its onset in Mumbai." "Currently, conditions look favourable for the onset of monsoon in Mumbai between June 8 and 10," said Kamble. Meanwhile, on Monday, while pockets in neighbouring districts of Thane had a light drizzle, the rest of the city languished under sultry and humid conditions. The maximum temperature in the suburbs soared to 35.6 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees above normal. However, weather experts have indicated that the city as well as neighbouring districts can expect cloudy skies and pre-monsoon showers soon. "Owing to the presence of westerlies as well as monsoon progression, there is moisture in the atmosphere leading to cloud formation and light showers," said an IMD official. This year, the IMD has forecast an above average monsoon across the city. As per its weather scientists, Mumbai—which receives an average of 2,300 mm rain in the four months of monsoon—is also likely to experience heavier than usual downpours.
