With the monsoon season finally upon Mumbai, a city with the habitual hustle and bustle, the weather is gearing up for a significant deluge. Weather experts have indicated rains will last until Wednesday. And yes, Mumbai, the city and everyone in it, is used to heavy monsoon rains. Mumbai is getting ready for another lengthy span of rain that will have both challenges and perhaps some welcome relief.
What can happen?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has given a warning for heavy rain over the next 48 hours. Mumbai should be aware that there can be disturbances to life as the rain could be temporarily heavy at times—especially over the coastline. Most rain will occur during the night and early morning, with rain starting in the evening.
Different parts of Mumbai will experience different volumes of rain and varying intensities—ranging from light rain to locally very heavy rain. Speculation is that the western suburbs will have fairly intense rain, with the island city and eastern suburbs also having heavy rain. Given the setup of the monsoon, there may be freak incidents of local flooding in some areas with light rain falling elsewhere.
Major Challenges During the Heavy Rains
Though the monsoon has brought an end to the hot and humid weather we’ve been experiencing in the city, the rains can bring issues of their own. With heavy amounts of rain, the visibility is very low, the roads may be in bad shape, and traffic jams can be worse than usual. Roads flooded with rain water, potholes, and the occasional fallen tree all contribute to making cars slower on the streets. The same choke points you encounter during heavy rain and monsoon season at major intersections in Andheri, Bandra, and Worli are likely to get even worse.
If you are travelling by local trains, delays are likely when rainwater floods the tracks, and heavy rainfall may delay trains. The people who work with the railways will do everything possible to avoid interruptions, but delays and disruptions are almost unavoidable, especially if the local roadways become impassable, which can create problems with auto rickshaws and buses that aggravate delays on the local train network service.
Safety Precautions
As the city of Mumbai is currently experiencing another spell of heavy rain due to the monsoon, it is always advisable to remain mindful of taking precautions. First, you should monitor your local weather forecast, especially if you are considering travelling in the rain during peak periods. Do not forget to carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat, or at the very least, wear water-resistant shoes while leaving your home.
If you are one of those people living in an area that is submerged in water for part of the year, try and stock up on non-perishable supplies. Ensure that your home is as watertight as possible. The storm drains in various parts of the city may also not be able to accommodate heavy rainfall. This will ultimately cause flooding in streets and homes. You may also want to consider moving electrical appliances or other valuable items out of the way to at least the 2nd floor in the event of water pooling in your home.
The Effect on Everyday Life
The monsoons bring mixed feelings for the Mumbaikars. On one hand, it cools down the hot, humid air while also providing relief to those who have suffered in the sweltering heat. The beaches are teeming with those who enjoy breathing the cool air, along with the rains that have a restorative and invigorating effect on them.
The season signifies warm evenings, chai, and vada pav for some people. For others, it is a stressful time because of traffic jams, waterlogging, and train delays. It becomes difficult to get around. Mumbaikars who would ordinarily rush across town find the city in gridlock as they try to get from point A to point B. Businesses, especially small businesses, also suffer losses because of the unpredictability that the monsoon brings.
Looking Ahead
While the monsoon will always remain a challenge, it will always show us how the city of Mumbai is resilient. Confidently, the city over the years has discovered a way to adapt to and live through the changeable weather, even in heavy rains. Many Mumbaikars take extra precautions to be safe in Mumbai during this time, be it through careful travel arrangements or keeping in touch with family.
As tempting as it may be to lose your patience with the incessant rain, just remember that the monsoon period is necessary for all of the water supplies for Mumbai. The rains bring water to fill up the lakes and reservoirs that supply the drinking water to the city for the rest of the year. The rains also bring some relief to the scorching and sizzling heat, especially with the terrible humidity, and make life in the city just a little easier.
End Note
In a nutshell, though the downpours may be a blip in a day of normalcy, the monsoon is an integral part of Mumbai life. This animated, vibrant city will survive through the rain despite it all and, like always, be stronger than ever. Thus, keep your umbrella handy, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty in all that is Mumbai during the monsoon.
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