Colaba Crosses 66 Percent of Annual Rainfall as Mumbai Lake Levels Rise to 49 Percent

Following intense downpours that saw Colaba and the wider Mumbai region surpass over 66 percent of their annual average rainfall in early July, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a transition to light rain and partly cloudy skies over the next 48 hours. The heavy rainfall between July 1 and July 9 has significantly boosted water stocks in the city's supply lakes, though a municipal water cut remains in effect.

Despite a delayed monsoon arrival, the city has experienced rapid accumulation. In Colaba, meteorologists registered 1,384mm of rainfall, which represents 66.21 percent of the area's average annual rainfall. This surge was driven by an exceptionally wet start to the month; while the average July rainfall for Colaba is 734mm, the locality was drenched in 946mm of rain in just the first nine days of July.

A similar trend was recorded at the Santacruz observatory, which registered 1,564mm of total seasonal rainfall, amounting to 67.44 percent of its annual average. Between July 1 and July 9, Santacruz received 1,146mm of rain, easily exceeding its typical July average of 855mm.

This heavy rainfall has had a direct impact on the city's water infrastructure. As of Sunday morning, the total water stock across the seven supply lakes reached 49.84 percent of capacity, holding 7,21,354 million litres out of a combined capacity of 14,47,363 million litres.

While both the Tulsi and Vihar lakes overflowed last week due to the intense downpours, local authorities have maintained a 10 percent water cut across the city. The IMD's latest 48-hour forecast indicates a lull in the heavy weather, with only one or two spells of light rain expected in the city and its suburbs.