Mumbai Drenched: A September Deluge Smashes Records Amidst Orange Alert

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is now swimming through an unprecedented deluge, marking its wettest September in over a decade. The relentless downpour has shattered rainfall records, transforming the urban landscape and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a stark 'orange alert' for heavy to very heavy rainfall across the city and neighboring Thane.

As of September 20th, the Santacruz observatory, a key weather station for Mumbai, recorded a staggering 405.6 mm of rain this month.

This figure dramatically surpasses its previous 10-year high of 395.2 mm, set just two years ago in 2022, and far exceeds the monthly average of 383.5 mm. Similarly, the Colaba observatory, representing south Mumbai, has measured 312.4 mm, nudging close to its 2013 record of 312.7 mm and well above its average of 300.7 mm.

The last time September saw such intense and prolonged rainfall was back in 2013, when Santacruz registered an overwhelming 460.5 mm.

The IMD's 'orange alert' is a serious caution, signaling the likelihood of widespread disruption due to very heavy rainfall, particularly for Friday and Saturday (September 21st and 22nd).

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution, anticipate significant waterlogging, traffic snarls, and potential delays in public transport. While the intensity is expected to ease slightly, a 'moderate rainfall' forecast is in place for Sunday, ensuring that the city's skies remain grey and wet.

Meteorological experts attribute this extended and exceptionally strong monsoon activity to a confluence of atmospheric phenomena.

Key among them is the influence of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), an eastward-moving disturbance of clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure that traverses the planet in the tropics, periodically enhancing monsoon currents. Additionally, a persistent cyclonic circulation over the region has been pumping moisture-laden winds, creating the perfect conditions for Mumbai's historic deluge.

This combined effect has kept the monsoon active much later into September than usual, refusing to show signs of withdrawal.

For Mumbaikars, the relentless rain means navigating through waterlogged streets, facing disrupted commutes, and the constant challenge of keeping daily life afloat amidst the downpour.

While the city is accustomed to heavy monsoon seasons, the sheer volume of rainfall this September has pushed infrastructure to its limits, reminding everyone of the raw power of nature. As the city braces for more wet days, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to stay safe and updated on weather advisories.