Mumbai is likely to break the jinx of scanty rains. The city has received only single-digit rainfall for the last 2 weeks. Santacruz Observatory has recorded only 3 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. The base station has accumulated only 30mm of rainfall over the last 2 weeks. Good showers are likely for the city and suburbs, commencing Friday and lasting till the start of next week. The festival of Janmashtami on Monday is celebrated with pomp and the show may add flavour to showers, as well.
Mumbai had record rainfall in the month of July. The deluge was the second highest in the history, with monthly rainfall in excess of 1700mm, more than double the normal. The month of August has generally been quiet. The city received some moderate showers in the first week of the month and literally silent, thereafter. Some conciliatory heavy showers are likely this weekend and there may not be any further significant wet spells during the rest of the days in August.
A cyclonic circulation is well marked over the Southeast and East-Central Arabian Sea, off Coastal Karnataka and Goa. The associated cloud cluster is quite spread out over the sea and therefore, the system may not have percolated to the surface as a low-pressure area. The circulation will move northward and reach west abeam South Konkan Coast tomorrow. Sea conditions do not seem to be favourable for its sustenance and therefore, it may weaken over the ocean itself.
In the meantime, another monsoon low, presently marked over Bangladesh and West Bengal will move westward and come over the central parts of the country. The remnant of the system over the Arabian Sea and the arrival of circulation over Madhya Pradesh will strengthen the westerly stream along the Konkan Coast. Light rainfall will continue for the next 2 days for the city and suburbs. The intensity and spread will increase from 23rd August and monsoon bursts may lash the city till Monday. The peak intensity is likely on 24th August. Sunday and Monday will have the spillover effect and weather conditions will ease out notably, from 27th August onward.
Image Courtesy: India TV News