Mumbai’s Heaviest Monsoon Rainfalls Since 1991: A Record Of Extreme Downpours

Mumbai’s monsoon has always been more than just rain — it’s a story of resilience, chaos, and unforgettable weather events. From traffic standstills to homes inundated, the city has witnessed some of the heaviest single-day downpours in India’s history. Rainfall records from Colaba and Santa Cruz highlight just how intense Mumbai’s monsoon can get.


Here’s a detailed look at the city’s heaviest one-day rainfalls between June and September, since 1991.

Colaba Records

• June: The wettest day came on 10 June 1991, with over 400 mm of rainfall. Other major spells include 279.4 mm (24 June 2007) and 248.6 mm (28 June 1998).
• July: The highest was 249.7 mm on 28 July 2008, followed by 243.7 mm on 4 July 2000. Recent years saw 227.8 mm (1 July 2022) and 223.2 mm (27 July 2023).
• August: The peak was 331.8 mm on 6 August 2020, with other notable days like 261.9 mm (10 August 1998) and 244.2 mm (23 August 1997).
• September: The most significant spell came on 10 September 2005 (217 mm), followed by 210 mm (20 September 2017) and 194 mm (4 September 2009).

Santa Cruz Records

• June: The heaviest was 399 mm on 10 June 1991. Other big downpours include 283.4 mm (19 June 2015) and 234.8 mm (29 June 2019).
• July: Mumbai’s infamous flood on 27 July 2005 saw a staggering 944.2 mm in 24 hours. Other extreme rains include 375.2 mm (2 July 2019) and 351.5 mm (17 July 2000).
• August: The highest August rainfall was 346.2 mm on 23 August 1997, with 331.4 mm (30 August 2017) close behind.
• September: The wettest was 312.4 mm on 23 September 1993, followed by 303.7 mm (20 September 2017) and 286.4 mm (23 September 2020).

Extreme Rainfall Events in Mumbai

• At Colaba, the most intense single-day event remains 575.6 mm on 5 July 1974, followed by 544.3 mm (31 July 1984) and 477.6 mm (10 June 1991).
• At Santa Cruz, the all-time record was 944.2 mm on 27 July 2005, making it one of the wettest 24 hours in Mumbai’s history. Other remarkable spells include 399 mm (10 June 1991) and 351.5 mm (17 July 2000).

Mumbai’s rainfall history is a reminder of nature’s sheer force and unpredictability. While the city celebrates the monsoon season, these records highlight the urgent need for better drainage, infrastructure planning, and preparedness to withstand future extreme weather events.