Mumbai, Aug 20: After a prolonged lull, the monsoon revived in the city with fairly widespread rain witnessed in many parts of Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, all throughout Saturday . Officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have forecast the wet spell is likely to continue till August 21.
Rainfall in the city and suburbs began from early Saturday morning, with the intensity of rain higher in Mumbai's eastern suburbs, Thane and Navi Mumbai. There were complaints of water-logging received from some parts of Thane owing to the downpour, apart from a large tree having fallen down at Pokran in Thane area and having blocked the carriageway .
In Mumbai, some places like Gawanpada in Mulund, Ghatkopar, Bhandup witnessed over 100mm of rains between 8am to 4pm on Saturday . Six tree fall complaints were received by the BMC. IMD officials said heavy rain warnings are already in place. They have also issued warnings for fishermen for the Maharashtra-Goa coast.
Catchment area lakes which supply water to Mumbai filled up further. So far, the lakes have already received 92% of the required water content with three lakes overflowing. K S Hosalikar, deputy directorgeneral (western region), IMD, said, "Rain in the catchment areas has been very good. An upper air circulation has developed over the Bay of Bengal which is moving in the north westerly direction. Besides, wind speed over Mumbai has also strengthened giving good rainfall."
IMD officials said they were closely watching areas like Vidarbha and Marathwada."Fortunately Vidarbha has been receiving good rain. On Sunday we expect good rainfall in Marathwada too. Rain in Mumbai will continue up to August 21," added Hosalikar.