India: Monsoon unleashes flooding on Mumbai, downpours to reach New Delhi by Thursday
Monsoon rains unleashed widespread flooding in Mumbai and surrounding areas on Monday and downpours are forecast to reach New Delhi later this week.
Frequent downpours and gusty winds caused travel chaos and have been linked to at least five deaths in the Mumbai area, according to the Khaleej Times.
Rainfall amounts over 330 mm (13 inches) were reported from Sunday into Monday, with more than 229 mm (9 inches) falling within 24 hours.
The downpours and flooding led to widespread travel issues in and around the city, resulting in canceled or delayed trains, flight disruptions and closed roadways.
The heavy rain also triggered a wall collapse in south Mumbai, which damaged or destroyed at least 20 automobiles.
A separate wall collapse in Ulhasnagar killed one and injured two others, according to the Times of India.
Occasional downpours are expected this week in Mumbai as monsoon rain continues; however, flooding events will be more isolated.
Another surge of moisture into the region will heighten the risk for flooding in Mumbai from this weekend into early next week.
As Mumbai endured flooding, residents of New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) suffered through another day of scorching heat on Monday.
Big changes arrived on Tuesday as temperatures only reached 34 C (93 F) in New Delhi during the afternoon hours.
Temperatures in New Delhi and the NCR will remain at these cooler levels through this weekend with daily highs ranging from 32-35 C (90-95 F).
The heat relief will come with an increased risk for rain and thunderstorms.
Pre-monsoon showers dampened parts of New Delhi and the NCR on Wednesday, and more widespread downpours are expected from Thursday into this weekend.
While rainfall amounts are not expected to be as extreme as witnessed in Mumbai, enough rainfall will occur to threaten widespread flooding and disruption across the NCR.
Thunderstorms can also produce blowing dust, damaging winds, flash flooding and frequent lightning.
Rainfall may diminish for a time next week allowing heat to return to the NCR before another surge of moisture returns by the middle of July.
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