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The city of Mumbai experienced an unprecedented rainfall event in September, recording the highest amount of rainfall in a single day in the past four years. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory recorded 170mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Thursday, September 26th. This marked the fourth highest single-day rainfall for the month in the past decade. Notably, the city's total rainfall for September has now surpassed the monthly average of 359.6mm, reaching 510mm.
The heaviest rainfall occurred between September 23rd and 26th, with 319mm of rain falling in just 72 hours. The city received 75mm on September 23rd-24th, 74mm on September 24th-25th, and the record-breaking 170mm on September 25th-26th. This means that almost half of the monthly average rainfall was recorded in less than a day. Although the IMD issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall on Thursday, the city did not experience significant rainfall activity after the initial downpour.
The IMD attributed the intense rainfall to a cyclonic circulation over North Konkan. While the weather models are not predicting heavy rainfall for the weekend, the weather bureau suggests that thunderstorm activity might return to the city in the coming days. Despite the record-breaking rainfall, the Colaba observatory recorded slightly lower rainfall of 168.8mm in the same 24-hour period. However, the BMC's automatic weather station (AWS) reported even higher rainfall in certain localities. For example, Mankhurd received 280mm, Chembur 279mm, Ghatkopar 260mm, and Bhandup 250mm of rainfall.
Following the heavy rains, the city's water reserves have reached near full capacity. As of Thursday, the seven lakes supplying Mumbai were at 14.35 lakh million liters, representing 99.2% of the annual required quantum. The city's infrastructure and water management system were able to cope with the heavy rainfall, and no major disruptions were reported. However, the city authorities remain vigilant and prepared for any future rainfall events, ensuring the safety and well-being of the city's residents.
Source: At 170mm, Mumbai records fourth highest September rain day in 10 years