India: Monsoon unleashes flooding on Mumbai, downpours to reach New Delhi by midweek

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

June 25, 2018, 12:23:24 PM EDT

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 305 mm (12 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.

More downpours are expected this week in Mumbai as monsoon rain continues; however, flooding events will be more isolated from Tuesday into Friday.

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 are on the way this week as lower temperatures and increased rainfall replace the heat.

Temperatures in New Delhi and the NCR will trend downward as the week progresses.

High temperatures will be near 105 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, 100 F on Wednesday and 90 F by Thursday and Friday across the NCR.

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The heat relief will come with an increased risk for rain and thunderstorms.

Pre-monsoon showers and thunderstorms could reach New Delhi as early as Wednesday before steady monsoon rain arrives late this week 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 across the NCR before another surge of moisture returns by the middle of July.