Cyclonic Circulation Keeps Light Rains in Mumbai Despite Monsoon Withdrawal
Mumbai, 18th October 2024: The Southwest Monsoon has officially withdrawn from Mumbai, though light rains persist due to a cyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea. Since the monsoon’s retreat, the city has recorded around 5mm of rainfall this week. This pattern of intermittent light showers is expected to continue until the 22nd of October, after which the weather will likely become dry.
Currently, the wind flow along the Konkan Coast is primarily easterly. The Western Ghats act as a barrier, preventing significant moisture from reaching the region at lower levels. As a result, although daytime heating may cause some cloud formation, the overall chance of rainfall remains minimal, with mostly medium clouds hovering over the city.
A weather system near Konkan and Goa in the Arabian Sea is expected to move westward, while an anticyclone will become more established over the plains of North India. This will bring dry and slightly warm northeasterly winds across East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra over the next five days. By the end of this period, Mumbai is likely to experience warmer and more humid conditions, particularly during the late morning and afternoon.
For all practical purposes, the rainy season has ended for Mumbai. Any residual weather effects will fade by early next week. Clear skies, rising temperatures, and increased humidity will characterize the remainder of October. Improved, more pleasant weather is anticipated to arrive in November, with the most comfortable conditions expected during December and January.
