Mumbai Rains: City Records 900 mm in 4 Days; Experts Blame Climate Change, Urge Strong Early Warning Network
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Mumbai is reeling from one of its heaviest monsoon spells, with over 900 mm of rainfall recorded in just four days. As of August 19, the Santacruz observatory recorded 944 mm and Colaba 461.8 mm, prompting experts to raise red flags about the growing link between climate change and extreme weather events . They warn that only a strong early warning system can help the city cope with these unpredictable and devastating downpours.
Experts: Climate Change Fueling Extreme Monsoons
Meteorologists and climate experts note that climate change is intensifying the Indian monsoon, making rainfall more erratic and extreme. They describe it as acting “like a steroid,” amplifying storms and downpours far beyond normal levels. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier bursts of rain over shorter periods, often overwhelming cities like Mumbai that are already struggling with outdated infrastructure and poor drainage systems.
Early Warning Systems Seen as Only Reliable Safeguard
Experts stress that while heavy rain cannot be prevented, its impact can be reduced if the city invests in robust early warning systems. Accurate forecasts, timely alerts, and effective communication channels can help authorities prepare better and give citizens enough time to safeguard themselves. Without such measures, sudden cloudbursts and extreme rainfall will keep catching people off guard, putting lives, homes, and livelihoods at serious risk.
Flooded Streets, Disrupted Transport, and Daily Struggles
The intense downpour has waterlogged large parts of Mumbai, throwing daily life into chaos. Roads are submerged, trains and flights delayed, and many commuters stranded for hours. Low-lying neighbourhoods are worst affected, with homes and shops inundated, forcing families to wade through waist-deep water. For India’s financial hub, these disruptions affect not only daily routines but also economic activity, exposing how vulnerable Mumbai remains to extreme weather events.
A Global Reminder of Rising Climate Risks
Mumbai’s extreme rainfall is not an isolated case but part of a worrying global pattern. From floods in Europe to heatwaves in North America and droughts in Africa, climate extremes are becoming more frequent and severe worldwide. Scientists caution that without urgent climate action, such disasters will only intensify, putting millions of lives and livelihoods at risk. The situation in Mumbai is a stark reminder that cities everywhere must adapt, prepare, and build resilience to face a rapidly changing climate.
Experts: Climate Change Fueling Extreme Monsoons
Meteorologists and climate experts note that climate change is intensifying the Indian monsoon, making rainfall more erratic and extreme. They describe it as acting “like a steroid,” amplifying storms and downpours far beyond normal levels. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier bursts of rain over shorter periods, often overwhelming cities like Mumbai that are already struggling with outdated infrastructure and poor drainage systems.
Early Warning Systems Seen as Only Reliable Safeguard
Experts stress that while heavy rain cannot be prevented, its impact can be reduced if the city invests in robust early warning systems. Accurate forecasts, timely alerts, and effective communication channels can help authorities prepare better and give citizens enough time to safeguard themselves. Without such measures, sudden cloudbursts and extreme rainfall will keep catching people off guard, putting lives, homes, and livelihoods at serious risk.
Flooded Streets, Disrupted Transport, and Daily Struggles
The intense downpour has waterlogged large parts of Mumbai, throwing daily life into chaos. Roads are submerged, trains and flights delayed, and many commuters stranded for hours. Low-lying neighbourhoods are worst affected, with homes and shops inundated, forcing families to wade through waist-deep water. For India’s financial hub, these disruptions affect not only daily routines but also economic activity, exposing how vulnerable Mumbai remains to extreme weather events.
A Global Reminder of Rising Climate Risks
Mumbai’s extreme rainfall is not an isolated case but part of a worrying global pattern. From floods in Europe to heatwaves in North America and droughts in Africa, climate extremes are becoming more frequent and severe worldwide. Scientists caution that without urgent climate action, such disasters will only intensify, putting millions of lives and livelihoods at risk. The situation in Mumbai is a stark reminder that cities everywhere must adapt, prepare, and build resilience to face a rapidly changing climate.
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