Mumbai Records One of Its Driest Augusts in 35 Years
What Happened
Mumbai witnessed a dramatic monsoon reversal, with the Colaba observatory recording just 164.5 mm rainfall in August, compared with 1,176.5 mm in July. August rainfall in Mumbai city was 66% below normal, making it the city's second-lowest August rainfall total in 35 years. Mumbai suburbs recorded a 44% deficit, while Maharashtra as a whole saw rainfall 44% below normal.
Key Takeaways
After an exceptionally wet July, Mumbai and much of Maharashtra experienced a sharp monsoon slowdown in August. The IMD expects below-average rainfall to persist in September, raising concerns over water availability and the broader impact of a weak monsoon season influenced by emerging El Niño conditions.