Unusual November showers catch Mumbaikars off guard

People in Mumbai were caught off guard when it rained in the city late on Thursday evening – unusual for this time of the year. Heavy rains lashed across Colaba in South Mumbai and Panvel in Navi Mumbai. Since the last three years, it has not rained in Mumbai in the month of November, weather officials informed.

A low pressure area was created over Lakshwadeep area up to South Gujarat coast. "The last time it rained in November, it was a measly 20 mm on one day in 2010. We had predicted that rains would occur in some parts of the city as the trough was forming," said KS Hosliker, deputy director general of Metereology department in Colaba.

Rains in the North East region are prominent at the moment, and the easterly winds have contributed to the unusual city showers. The low pressure area moves from East to West – causing thunderstorms and rains. Sea surface temperatures and winds contribute to formation of low pressure areas.

The maximum and minimum temperatures in November are edging on extremes – between 35 degree celsius and 25 degree celsius. Add to that, the high levels of humidity of up to 87% in Colaba and 69% in Santa Cruz, have been contributing factors for the unseasonal showers to occur.