Mumbai's Monsoon Marathon: A September Soak for the Ages

Mumbai, the bustling heart of India, has once again showcased its remarkable resilience in the face of nature’s grandeur. As of October 2nd, the city has recorded a staggering 606 mm of rainfall throughout September, firmly establishing it as the second wettest September Mumbai has witnessed since 2021.

This exceptional downpour paints a vivid picture of a city perpetually adapting to its dramatic monsoon.

The numbers truly tell the story: at 606 mm, this September’s rainfall stands just shy of the 607.1 mm recorded in September 2023, making both years significant outliers. More strikingly, it represents a monumental 58% surge above Mumbai’s average September rainfall, which typically hovers around 383.5 mm.

While the cumulative monsoon rainfall for June to September reached 2,437.5 mm, slightly exceeding the normal 2,298.8 mm by 6%, it was September that truly turned heads with its intensity.

Meteorological experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have pinpointed the cause of this September deluge to a persistent cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea.

This atmospheric phenomenon, coupled with robust moisture-laden winds, created the perfect recipe for sustained, intense rainfall, particularly between September 27th and 29th. These days saw the city grappling with continuous showers, impacting daily life and transport, yet also replenishing water reserves.

Defying the conventional end of the monsoon season, which officially concludes on September 30th, Mumbai continued its rainy saga well into October.

The city experienced significant rainfall on October 1st (52 mm) and October 2nd (24.8 mm), blurring the lines between the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. This extended wet spell underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Mumbai’s weather systems.

Looking ahead, the IMD has issued cautionary thunderstorm warnings for Mumbai and its surrounding areas for October 3rd and 4th, with expectations of light rain persisting through October 5th and 6th.

While temperatures remain high, hovering around 31-32 degrees Celsius, accompanied by high humidity, Mumbaikars are advised to stay prepared for continued damp conditions.

Reflecting on recent history, September 2021 still holds the record for the wettest September with an astonishing 728.8 mm.

This year's 606 mm places it firmly in second position, followed closely by 2023's 607.1 mm. In stark contrast, 2022 saw a mere 172.6 mm, and 2020 recorded 399.9 mm. This year's September has undoubtedly carved its place in Mumbai’s meteorological annals, reminding everyone of the city’s profound connection to its life-giving, yet sometimes overwhelming, monsoon rains.