Mumbai records wettest May in 107 years as monsoon arrives 16 days early

Mumbai and Navi Mumbai faced severe waterlogging on Monday as heavy monsoon rains caused widespread flooding across key areas. Commuters were seen navigating through submerged roads in locations such as Dadar, Colaba, and Navi Mumbai suburbs. Several roads near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Mumbai airport also experienced flooding, leading to traffic disruptions and delays.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a nowcast warning for Mumbai, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, intense rain, and gusty winds of up to 60 kmph over isolated areas within the next 3 to 4 hours. IMD confirmed the southwest monsoon has arrived in Maharashtra approximately 10 days earlier than usual, marking the earliest onset in the state since 1990. The monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over Mumbai, Konkan, and western Maharashtra.

Mumbai Division of Central Railway reported that local train services are operating at cautious speeds due to heavy rains. Some trains were short-terminated at Kurla, Dadar, and Parel because of waterlogging between Byculla and CSMT. Up and Down Harbour Line services between Vadala Road and CSMT were temporarily suspended due to flooding at Masjid station. Harbour Line services have been restored but continue running with caution.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reviewed the rainfall situation in Thane and Mumbai and instructed district administrations to remain on high alert. He directed officials to prepare for timely relief and rescue operations, monitor flooded roads, bridges, and power lines, and take preventive steps regarding unsafe buildings. Special attention was requested to maintain suburban rail traffic to avoid inconvenience for commuters.

Traffic movement across Mumbai and its suburbs was slow due to waterlogging at multiple critical points, including Andheri Subway, Tilak Bridge (Dadar), Worli Naka, Band Stand Junction, and King Circle Bridge (Matunga). These disruptions affected both northbound and southbound routes. Flight operations near Mumbai airport were also affected due to persistent heavy rainfall since the previous night.