Santacruz logs shortfall of 5% even as Colaba records 9% excess rainfall in June
Responding to questions about wetter spells in Colaba, IMD scientists added, “While Santacruz may receive heavier rainfall between July and September, Colaba station generally records heavier rainfall in June"
3 min read
The shortfall of rainfall in suburbs — although marginal — came even as the city experienced its earliest southwest monsoon onset in the past 75 years on May 25 this year (Express File)Despite a historic early onset of southwest monsoon in the city, Mumbai suburbs failed to meet its average quota for June with the Santacruz observatory logging a shortfall of nearly five per cent from its monthly average. The island city division, however, fared much better as it recorded a surplus of nearly 10 per cent from its actual rainfall quota for June.
Data provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows that between June 1 and 30, the Santacruz observatory logged 512 mm rain, which is 24.4 mm less than normal. This is at least four per cent lower than its average quota for June that stands at 537 mm.
Meanwhile, the Colaba coastal observatory recorded 592 mm rainfall this June, resulting in an excess of at least nine per cent from its actual average for the month that stands at 542 mm.
The shortfall of rainfall in suburbs — although marginal — came even as the city experienced its earliest southwest monsoon onset in the past 75 years on May 25 this year, when heavy rainfall battered parts of the city.
Meteorologists pointed to the lack of strong weather systems in June that enhanced monsoon currents. “We received very heavy rainfall in May during the onset phase. However, after that, we have not had favourable conditions to sustain that type of heavy monsoon rain. We did not see enough systems that could enhance convection owing to which we saw very few days of heavy rainfall in June,” said a scientist from IMD Mumbai.
Responding to questions about wetter spells in Colaba, IMD scientists added, “While Santacruz may receive heavier rainfall between July and September, Colaba station generally records heavier rainfall in June. This is likely owing to the fact that monsoon current is still advancing in the month, giving the island city more showers.”
The surplus showers for island city in June comes after recording a positive excess of 3,000 per cent in May.
Spurred by an early onset, the city’s Colaba has recorded 1,095 mm since May until now while the Santacruz station received 891 mm rainfall cumulatively. Generally, Mumbai receives 2,319 mm rainfall in the suburbs in four months during monsoon, while the island city receives 2,095 mm rainfall.
Amid showers, the water stock in the seven lakes, catering to Mumbai’s potable water supply, have also touched their highest levels in the past one decade at least touching 40.22 per cent on Monday.
According to the IMD, isolated pockets of the city will receive heavy rainfall for two days between Wednesday and Thursday for which a yellow alert has been sounded in Mumbai as well as the neighbouring pockets of Thane and Palghar. For the record, July is Mumbai’s wettest monsoon month receiving an average of 855 mm rain during the month.
You May Like
Photos
