MUMBAI: The city recorded its fourth highest July rainfall since 2015, with 1,119mm till July 30. July rain has crossed this year’s mark thrice: In 2018 (1,138.8mm), 2019 (1,464mm) and last year, when for the first time in July it crossed the 1,500mm mark for the month, making it the all-time highest. In 2005, when Mumbai was flooded, July recorded 1,454.5mm of rain.
In all other years since 2015, rainfall for July has been below 1,000mm, with it being lowest in 2015, when 359.1mm was recorded. Most of July’s heavy rainfall was restricted to few hours, leading to waterlogging coupled with loss of lives and property.
July witnessed two landslides on days of intense rain. Some instances of extremely heavy rain was between July 17-18,when IMD’s Santacruz observatory recorded 235mm, while between July 16-17 Santacruz recorded 253mm. “Typical synoptic features that lead to heavy rain were in place, due to which the city saw an intense downpour during those few days,” said an IMD official.
The month covered up for its average rainfall of 827mm on July 19 itself. But following it, rain activity slowed down, as it was anticipated that if rain continued at the same pace, the city would be heading for its wettest July. So far, rain recorded in the city touched 2,080.8mm, which is 776.8mm above normal.
There was meagre rain in the 24 hours ending 8.30am on July 30, with IMD Colaba observatory recording 1.2mm and IMD Santacruz recording 4mm. “The offshore trough from south Maharashtra coat to North Kerala coast having become less marked,” said IMD.
IMD has forecast dry days ahead for the city and adjoining areas, with no significant increase in rain. A green alert (light to moderate rain very likely) is in place from July 31-August 3.
The stock in lakes supplying water to Mumbai on Friday touched 73.86% or 10.69 lakh ml.
