© HT PHOTOLast year, Mumbai had recorded only 73.1mm rain, which was the lowest rainfall for September in 27 years. However, after 1954, the city had only surpassed the 900mm mark in 1993 (904.6mm).
As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) records, Santacruz has recorded 921.3 mm rainfall from September 1 to 18, shattering the previous record of 920 mm set in 1954. There are 12 more days to go, and the forecasts suggest that the Mumbai rains are in no mood to stop.
The region met centre has issued a red warning to Mumbai, Raigad, Pune and Satara for Thursday forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. 'Extremely heavy' rain means over 204 mm rain within 24 hours. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast to prevail across north Konkan region till Sunday.
The cyclonic circulation and related low-pressure located over south Madhya Pradesh drives humid westerly winds from the Arabian sea. As the circulation gradually moves westward for the next few days, coastal Maharashtra is expected to witness very heavy rains.
The IMD has also warned fishers in north Maharashtra not to venture into the sea as strong winds of 45-55 kmph are likely to prevail this week.
Comment: Rain, floods claim 1,422 lives so far this year in India