Heavy rains are set to lash parts of India this week, with cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and regions of Bengal and South India bracing for showers and thunderstorms. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the wet spell is attributed to multiple weather systems, including a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea and another over north Bangladesh. The early arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala is also being closely monitored, signaling a significant shift in weather patterns across the country.
Cyclonic circulation brings heavy rain to Mumbai and Maharashtra
Mumbai has already started witnessing pre-monsoon activity, as Tuesday brought rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, especially in the city’s eastern and western suburbs. The IMD forecasts that the city and other parts of Maharashtra, including South Konkan and South Central Maharashtra, will continue to receive heavy rain between May 21 and 24. This weather activity is being caused by a cyclonic circulation forming over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast. A low-pressure area is also expected to develop around May 22, which could intensify the rainfall further.
Officials have warned of gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph, or possibly higher at isolated locations, under the influence of this system. Traffic disruptions and increased moisture in the air have already started affecting day-to-day activities in Mumbai, as residents grapple with a sharp transition from summer heat to a rainy spell.
Thunderstorms offer relief for Delhi, heavy showers for Bengal
Delhi, reeling under intense summer heat, is expected to get temporary relief as thunderstorms with rain are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. The capital recorded a high of 41.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, and the expected showers may bring down temperatures slightly, though humidity levels are expected to remain high. The minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 28 and 39 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In West Bengal, the IMD has issued forecasts for heavy rain in northern districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar, while southern districts such as Jhargram, Bankura, and East Burdwan are likely to witness thunderstorms until Friday. These showers are being triggered by a cyclonic circulation over northern Bangladesh, along with favorable wind patterns from the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been hit by torrential rains, with eight fatalities reported. Kerala is also expected to see heavy showers for the next seven days, with the southwest monsoon likely to arrive earlier than usual, potentially making it the earliest onset since 2009.
