Mumbai records its heaviest May rainfall in over a century; early monsoon floods South Mumbai

Mumbai Records Heaviest May Rainfall in Over a Century; Early Monsoon Floods South Mumbai

*June 10, 2024 | Mumbai, India* — Mumbai has experienced its wettest May in over a hundred years as the monsoon arrived earlier than ever before, leading to severe flooding and disruption across India’s financial capital, particularly in South Mumbai. Meteorological records and multiple news sources confirm that both the timing and the intensity of the rains are unprecedented, marking a turning point in the city’s climate history.

Earliest Monsoon Onset in Decades

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the southwest monsoon arrived in Mumbai in early June, making it the city’s earliest monsoon onset in 75 years. According to reports from the *Times of India* and *Hindustan Times*, the 2024 monsoon reached the Mumbai coast well ahead of the usual schedule, catching residents, local authorities, and businesses off guard.

Record-Breaking Rainfall

The intensity of the rainfall has already set new records. Weather officials reported that the city received more rain in May 2024 than in any other May since the beginning of the 20th century, breaking a 107-year-old record. According to data cited by *Hindustan Times*, this makes May 2024 the wettest the city has seen in over a century. The volume of rainfall in such a short period led to immediate waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic snarls, and substantial disruption of daily life.

Widespread Flooding in South Mumbai

South Mumbai, home to many administrative offices and historic neighborhoods, was among the hardest hit. Water inundated major roads, train tracks, and key hubs, causing chaos during peak hours. Flooding was reported at key railway stations and arterial routes, straining the city’s public infrastructure.

*The Economic Times* noted that authorities placed the city on high alert, with disaster response units mobilized and emergency helplines set up for affected residents. However, with the rains arriving much earlier than the traditional mid-June timeline, the preparedness of the city’s drainage systems and emergency services was again put to the test.

Impact on Daily Life and Businesses

Transport services, including suburban trains — Mumbai’s lifeline, faced delays and partial suspensions in several affected zones. Schools and offices in the most impacted areas shifted to remote operations. The *Times of India* reported that the floods stranded thousands and severely affected daily routines, while businesses in South Mumbai incurred losses due to waterlogging.

A Sign of Changing Climate Patterns?

Although meteorologists have not confirmed a specific cause for the unseasonal deluge, experts have noted that erratic and extreme weather events are becoming more common, possibly linked to broader climate change patterns seen across India.

City’s Response and Preparations

Questions about Mumbai’s monsoon readiness are again in focus. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the flooding, authorities have initiated fresh drives to clear drains, remove debris, and ensure that flood-prone areas receive priority attention. According to *Knocksense*, officials are working to minimize further disruption as the monsoon season progresses.

Looking Ahead

With the onset of the main monsoon season still ahead, experts and civic authorities warn of continued risks. Residents are advised to stay updated through official channels, take precautions during heavy rain spells, and avoid flooded areas whenever possible.

As Mumbai endures its heaviest May rainfall in over a century and an unprecedented early monsoon, the city’s resilience is once again being tested—and the ongoing response will inform how it prepares for future weather extremes.