For the first time since 1990, the southwest monsoon has arrived this early in Maharashtra. On May 26, the monsoon reached the state nearly a week ahead of its usual June 1 onset. The last time it came earlier was on May 20, 1990. This early arrival has caused heavy rain, strong winds, traffic jams, and flight delays in cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Mumbai experienced wind speeds of 70 to 80 kilometers per hour along with consistent rainfall. The heavy downpour reduced visibility across the city, forcing drivers to switch on headlights even during the day. Due to poor weather conditions, eight flights from other cities were delayed. Traffic crawled on major roads as rain and gusty winds disrupted normal life.
Rainfall data from Mumbai shows high water accumulation in multiple areas. Santacruz’s Supari Tank and Nariyal Wadi recorded the highest at 25 mm. Pali Hill reported 24 mm, Vile Parle 15 mm, Andheri Fire Station 14 mm, and Malvani Fire Station 12 mm. Chembur Collector Colony recorded 13 mm, Versova Pumping Station 11 mm, and Chakal School and Chembur Fire Station each saw 9–14 mm. Light rain is expected to continue in Mumbai and its suburbs throughout the day.
In Pune, a cloudburst in the Patas area on the Pune–Solapur highway flooded around 200 houses. Rain started Saturday night and continued into Sunday. Water entered several low-lying areas, disrupting daily life and damaging homes. Emergency services have been deployed in affected neighborhoods.
The monsoon’s early entry hasn’t just affected Maharashtra. On May 24, it also reached Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. A day later, it extended to Goa and northeastern states like Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. Weather officials say the early onset is linked to low-pressure systems in the Arabian Sea, which pushed more moisture into the western coast.
Kerala also reported rain-related damage and deaths. In Thrissur, a tree fell on a moving train. Elsewhere, falling trees and electric shock incidents killed three people. Heavy rain damaged around 40 houses in North Palakkad, with four homes completely destroyed. Families from affected areas in Wayanad’s Padinjarthara region are being shifted to safer places. A 28-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has reached Wayanad to assist in rescue and relief operations.
Schools and colleges across nine districts in Kerala have shut down as a precaution. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as rains continue.
The early monsoon has brought some relief from heat but created serious disruptions in Maharashtra and southern states. With more rain expected in the coming days, authorities remain on high alert.
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