Mumbai Weather: Unseasonal Rains Hit City, More Showers Expected In Next 18 Hours

Mumbai woke up to an unexpected spell of unseasonal rain on Tuesday, catching early morning commuters and office-goers off guard and adding a sudden chill to the city's winter routine. Several parts of the financial capital and its neighbouring regions witnessed light to moderate showers, with some pockets recording heavier spells during the pre-dawn and early morning hours.

The rain activity was largely concentrated over the eastern and north-eastern parts of Mumbai. Areas such as Andheri and Powai experienced hit-and-miss showers, while Kurla and Ghatkopar saw intermittent rainfall. Drizzle was also reported across many western suburbs, including Borivali, Dahisar, Kandivali, Malad, Andheri and Powai, leading to damp roads and slower-than-usual traffic during peak morning hours.

Neighbouring regions were not spared either. Thane and Navi Mumbai witnessed steady showers, with several localities recording moderate rainfall. According to weather observers, there is a fair chance of more rain over Mumbai in the next 12 to 18 hours as a southern-dipping Western Disturbance extends over Maharashtra and Gujarat, creating favourable conditions for continued precipitation.

In view of the sudden change in weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nowcast warning for Mumbai and surrounding districts, including Thane, early Tuesday morning.

At around 7 am, the IMD cautioned residents about the possibility of more unseasonal rain over the next three hours and advised them to take necessary precautions while stepping out. The rainfall during peak morning hours came as a surprise to daily commuters, many of whom were unprepared for wet conditions in late January.

Beyond Mumbai, several parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and adjoining districts reported heavier showers. Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nandurbar and Raigad districts experienced significant rainfall, with Bhiwandi recording heavy showers around 6.50 am. The rainfall in Bhiwandi also led to a noticeable drop in the minimum temperature, adding to the winter-like feel. In Raigad district, unseasonal rains were reported as early as 4 am, with heavy downpours lashing areas such as Johe and Hamrapur in Pen taluka.

Despite the rain, the IMD has forecast daytime temperatures in Mumbai to hover around 29 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, while night temperatures are expected to remain relatively cool at around 16 degrees Celsius. Weather experts attribute the unseasonal rainfall to a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal, which is pushing humid winds towards Maharashtra. This influx of moisture has altered local weather conditions, temporarily increasing minimum temperatures and easing the intensity of the usual winter chill.

Weather trackers similar weather conditions to prevail over the next 24 hours, with intermittent showers likely in parts of Mumbai and nearby districts before conditions gradually stabilise.