Data from previous years show that the hill station’s 24-hour rainfall average has consistently been over 200 mm. (Photo: Express Archive) Mahabaleshwar witnessed extremely heavy rain on Wednesday and recorded one of its wettest days this June, with 212 mm rain in 24 hours. Rainfall activity at the hill station had picked up from June 16 onwards, and rains have been consistent here ever since.
The presence of an off-shore trough between Karnataka and Kerala, along with another trough running between central Arabian Sea and south Konkan, has kept the monsoon currents active over Konkan and south Madhya Maharashtra regions.
Due to favorable orography, Mahabaleshwar receives heavy rain during the June to September monsoon season, with average rain of 5,530 mm.
The year-wise June rainfall data of Mahabaleshwar, maintained by the India Meteorological Department, show that the hill station has earlier recorded such intense spells in June. Previous years in the last decade, when Mahabaleshwar’s 24-hour rainfall of June measured over 200mm, were 2015 (362mm), 2013 (290mm) and 2011 (204mm).
Mahabaleshwar’s all-time rainfall record for June was in 1915, when the tourist destination recorded 393mm in 24 hours.
Other locations in Konkan and adjoining Madhya Maharashtra, where heavy to very heavy rain was reported on Wednesday include Harnai — 200mm, Vengurla — 90mm, Kolhapur — 85mm, Ratnagiri — 65m, Satara — 52mm and Alibag — 49mm.
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