Mumbai’s wait for the southwest monsoon is getting longer, with weather agencies pushing back the expected arrival date once again. The delay has raised concerns about falling water levels, rising humidity and the possibility of one of the driest Junes the city has seen in years.
Monsoon Arrival Delayed Again
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now indicated that widespread monsoon rainfall over Mumbai and parts of northern Maharashtra may begin around June 25. This is significantly later than the city’s usual monsoon arrival period.
Earlier forecasts had suggested that monsoon rains could reach Mumbai by June 18 or 19, but the advance of the weather system slowed over the Konkan coast, forcing meteorologists to revise their estimates.
Skymet Warns of Further Delay
Private weather forecaster Skymet has issued an even more cautious outlook, saying the monsoon could arrive after June 25. If that happens, Mumbai could witness one of its most delayed monsoon onsets in recent years.
Weather experts say the prolonged pause in the monsoon’s progress has increased worries about rainfall shortages during June.
Water Levels Raise Concern
The delayed rains are already affecting water storage across Maharashtra. Data released by authorities shows that the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai are holding only a small portion of their total capacity.
Reservoir levels across the state are also lower than they were during the same period last year, prompting officials to closely monitor water availability.
Government Focuses on Water Supply
Amid concerns over the slow monsoon advance, the Maharashtra government has instructed authorities to prioritise drinking water needs and ensure careful management of available resources in the coming weeks.
Officials are preparing contingency measures to avoid any disruption in water supply if rainfall remains below expectations.
Humidity High, But Monsoon Yet to Arrive
Although Mumbai has witnessed cloudy skies, humidity and occasional light showers over the past few days, weather officials have clarified that these conditions do not indicate the official arrival of the southwest monsoon.
