MUMBAI: The southwest monsoon regained momentum over Mumbai and the adjoining metropolitan region starting from the past weekend, bringing moderate rainfall across several areas, although South Mumbai remained relatively dry compared with the suburbs. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Tuesday, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places along with strong winds.According to IMD data, in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Monday, the Colaba observatory in South Mumbai recorded just 5.6 mm of rainfall, while the Santacruz observatory in the suburbs received 88.4 mm. Rainfall was even higher in the neighbouring districts, with Thane recording 115 mm and Navi Mumbai receiving an average of 92.10 mm during the same period.The weather bureau has forecast that rainfall activity will intensify on Tuesday and has issued an orange alert for Mumbai and Thane, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places accompanied by gusty winds of 50-60 kmph. A yellow alert, indicating heavy rainfall at isolated places, will remain in force for both Mumbai and Thane on July 22 and 23.Weather experts said the city is witnessing the anticipated revival of the southwest monsoon after a brief lull last week.“As anticipated, the gradual revival of the southwest monsoon is now bringing back the classic July conditions across the Konkan region. Frequent intermittent rainfall spells, persistent cloud cover and cooler daytime temperatures have replaced last week’s warm and dry weather, restoring the characteristic monsoon feel,” said Abhijit Modak, an independent weather forecaster.He added that the recurring showers are helping maintain soil moisture and saturation, creating favourable conditions for agriculture while also supporting steady inflows into rivers and reservoirs.The fresh spell of rainfall has also slightly improved the city’s water reserves. As of Monday, the seven lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai collectively held 7.82 lakh million litres of water, or 54.05% of their total capacity.However, reservoir levels remain significantly lower than last year. On the same date in 2025, the lakes held 11.87 lakh million litres, or 82.07% of capacity.BMC officials said that while lake levels have crossed the halfway mark, they are not yet considering withdrawing the 10% water cut imposed earlier this season. Civic officials estimate that every 1% of water stock is sufficient to meet Mumbai’s requirements for about three days. The lakes need to collectively reach their full storage capacity of 14.47 lakh million litres by the end of September to comfortably meet the city’s year-round water demand.
