Sudden showers surprise Mumbaiites

Weathermen have predicted more rain over the next three days, owing to a depression bringing in moisture from the Arabian Sea

Cloudy skies and light showers across the city gave way to a slightly cooler Saturday.

Short, light spells of rain across the city surprised Mumbaiites and brought down day temperatures slightly on Saturday. The IMD said light rain is likely over the next three days. (Arijit Sen/HT)

Weathermen have predicted more rain over the next three days, owing to a depression bringing in moisture from the Arabian Sea. Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said 0.4mm rain was recorded in the suburbs, while south Mumbai recorded 1.5mm rain till 8.30pm on Saturday.

“There lies a trough, or weather depression, extending from a low pressure area between Lakshadweep and southern Gujarat. This will last for the next two or three days. An upper air cyclonic circulation over east-central Arabian Sea is also bringing in moisture along the coast and central parts of the state, resulting in the rain and thundershowers,” said VK Rajeev, director, western region, IMD.

The weather department has said isolated areas across central Maharashtra and Marathwada can even expect thunderstorms and hailstorms over 72 hours.

Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane received brief showers on Saturday, bringing down temperatures. (Bachchan Kumar)

The rain brought down day temperatures slightly in south Mumbai, which recorded a maximum of 32.8 degrees Celsius, 0.3 degrees below normal.

But the suburbs stayed warm, at 35.5 degrees Celsius.

The cloudy skies also led to night temperatures shooting up. The suburbs were warmer by five degrees Celsius at 23.2 degrees, compared to Friday night. South Mumbai recorded a minimum temperature almost three degrees above normal, at 25.8 degrees Celsius.

“Clouds at night form a layer over the sky, trapping the heat,” Rajeev said. The rise in moisture increased humidity — 72% and 70% at Colaba and Santacruz.