Mumbai is experiencing an unusually wet May in 2025, with rainfall shattering a 107-year-old record. The city has been lashed by heavy pre-monsoon showers, leading to waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruption of daily life. The early arrival of the monsoon is a significant event, potentially the earliest ever recorded for Mumbai.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the southwest monsoon arrived in Maharashtra on May 25, 2025, marking the earliest onset of the annual rainfall season in 35 years. The monsoon is expected to advance to Mumbai and other parts of the state within the next few days. This early arrival is nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, as the normal onset date for monsoon in Mumbai is June 11. The previous earliest monsoon arrival in Mumbai was May 29, recorded in 1956, 1962, and 1971.

Several factors have contributed to this unusual weather pattern. A low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea intensified into a depression, leading to heavy rainfall in the coastal regions of Maharashtra. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, forecasting continued heavy rainfall and gusty winds. An orange alert has been issued for nearby districts like Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall.

The heavy rainfall has already broken records. As of May 26, 2025, Mumbai received 135 mm of rainfall, surpassing the previous record for the month of May in the last 107 years. The Colaba observatory has been particularly affected, recording the highest amount of rainfall. The heavy downpour has led to severe waterlogging in many areas of the city, disrupting traffic and causing inconvenience to commuters. Suburban rail services have also been affected due to the heavy rains and thunderstorms.

While the early arrival of the monsoon may bring relief from the summer heat, it also raises concerns about potential flooding and damage to infrastructure. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised residents in landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer locations. The intense pre-monsoon showers have already affected nearly 30,000 hectares of farmland across Maharashtra. Landslides have been reported in the ghat sections of Kolhapur, Satara, and Sangli districts.

Despite the challenges, the early monsoon is expected to bring above-normal rainfall for the country this year. The agriculture sector, which relies heavily on monsoon rains, is likely to benefit from the timely and abundant rainfall. However, authorities need to be prepared to manage the potential risks associated with heavy rainfall, such as flooding and landslides.

The current weather conditions are expected to persist for the next few days, with the IMD forecasting continued rainfall and thunderstorms in Mumbai and surrounding areas. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated on the latest weather forecasts. The situation is being closely monitored by the authorities, who are taking steps to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall and ensure the safety of citizens.