What is the Highest Rainfall Ever Recorded in Mumbai?

Mumbai, the western coastal city of India, is famous for its heavy monsoon rains all year round. But, at times, the rain also takes a sudden turn and is record-breaking, causing devastating floods. Let's take a look at the highest rainfall in Mumbai, know more about it, and learn how the city withstands such showers.

The July 26, 2005 Record-Breaking Rainfall in Mumbai

The highest amount of rainfall in 24 hours in Mumbai has ever been on July 26, 2005. During this day, 942 mm of rain poured over Mumbai in a span of 24 hours. This amount of rainfall was not just a record for Mumbai but was also one of the highest ever received in any city in the world in a single day.

Why Does Mumbai Get So Much Rain?

Mumbai’s heavy rains are majorly because of the Southwest Monsoon. The rainfall comes every year around late May or early June. The monsoon winds bring moisture from the Arabian Sea. This is the reason for heavy showers over the city. Sometimes, these rains become very intense due to weather systems like low-pressure areas or cyclones nearby.

Highest Rainfall Records in Mumbai

• This intense rain caused widespread flooding in Mumbai and other areas.
• Floods also led to the devastating death of over 273 people in Mumbai alone.
• The rains in 2005 also surpassed twice the last record of 838 mm in 1912.
• This remains one of the most severe monsoon days in the history of Mumbai.

Mumbai still faces heavy rains during monsoon season annually. On the 16th of June, 2025, the city once again experienced heavy rains as various areas in Mumbai registered high levels of rainfall:

Examples of Recent Heavy Rainfall in Mumbai

According to research conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai has experienced more frequent and intense rainfall in recent years:

• On days with a lot of rain, the average rainfall from 2014 to 2018 was about 131 mm.
• This mean increased to 182 mm between 2019 and 2024
• On July 25, 2024, the highest one-day mean in the previous ten years was 267 mm.
• Additionally, Mumbai receives more than 100 mm of rainfall over 16 to 21 days annually.
• Waterlogging and flooding issues are becoming more common as a result of the rise in days with heavy rainfall.

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On July 26, 2005, an unbelievable 942 mm of rain fell in a single day, the most rainfall ever recorded in Mumbai. Significant flooding resulted from this extreme event, which is still remembered as a historical record. Heavy rains have become more frequent in recent years, but none have yet to reach the 2005 level. 

Mumbai's monsoon rains are essential, but because of the city's infrastructure and dense population, they can also be difficult. Being aware of these rainfall trends aids in improving one's readiness for upcoming monsoon seasons.ng these rainfall patterns helps prepare better for future monsoon seasons.

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