The long wait for the Southwest Monsoon is likely to end for Mumbai on June 23, with weather conditions finally turning favourable for its arrival.

The city has witnessed an unusually dry June so far, with Santacruz Observatory recording only 32.3 mm rainfall up to June 22.

After brief spells of rain on June 1 and June 21, Mumbai remained largely dry for nearly three weeks. Rainfall is now expected to increase across Mumbai, Konkan and Goa as the monsoon advances along the West Coast.

However, the city is unlikely to see the intense onset downpours often associated with monsoon arrival. Instead, moderate and steady showers with a few heavy spells are expected.

While Mumbai may see improved rainfall through the rest of June, concerns over a growing national monsoon deficit and the developing El Niño continue to persist.