| 25 June 2023
In an extraordinary meteorological event, the southwest monsoon has made a simultaneous appearance in Delhi and Mumbai, the national capital and the financial hub of India, respectively. This phenomenon, which hasn't occurred in 62 years, has surprised experts and residents alike, as the two cities are located over 1,430 kilometers apart.
The last time such an event took place was on June 21, 1961, when the monsoon arrived in both cities simultaneously, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This year, the monsoon reached Delhi two days ahead of its scheduled arrival date, while Mumbai experienced a delay of two weeks.
Delhi, known for scorching heat during the summer months, awoke on Sunday morning to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms. The Safdarjung weather base, Delhi's primary weather station, recorded 47.2 mm of rainfall, while the southwestern part of the city received 22 mm. These showers brought relief to the residents who had been eagerly awaiting the monsoon's arrival.
IMD data from previous years shows that the monsoon arrived in Delhi on June 30 last year, July 13 in 2021, June 25 in 2020, July 5 in 2019, and June 28 in 2018. This year's early arrival has prompted an orange alert for Sunday and Monday, signaling the possibility of heavy rainfall. A yellow warning has also been issued for Wednesday and Thursday.
In Mumbai, the monsoon's delayed arrival has caused anticipation and concern among the city's residents. Typically, the monsoon hits the city on June 11, but this year it arrived after a two-week delay. Continuous rainfall since Saturday has resulted in waterlogging in various parts of the city, causing inconvenience to commuters and residents.
The Colaba observatory, representing the island city, recorded 86 mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Santacruz weather station, representative of the suburbs, registered a significant 176.1 mm of rainfall during the same period. These heavy downpours have prompted a yellow alert for Mumbai, indicating the need for caution.
The arrival of the monsoon in both Delhi and Mumbai simultaneously is a remarkable occurrence that showcases the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. It brings relief to the scorching heat and provides a respite for residents who have been eagerly awaiting the rains. However, it also raises questions about the changing climate and the potential impact on future monsoon patterns.
As the monsoon progresses, it is crucial for residents of both cities to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions. Authorities should be prepared to address any waterlogging or infrastructure challenges that may arise due to heavy rainfall.
The simultaneous arrival of the southwest monsoon in Delhi and Mumbai after 62 years serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, highlighting the need for ongoing research and preparedness to mitigate the potential impacts of changing weather patterns.
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