Mumbaikars welcome the first rains in a parched city – Times of India

It’s finally raining in the Mumbai! After a long, scorching summer that saw the city sizzle, the mercury took a dip yesterday as wet weather hit several parts of the megapolis. From a drizzle that began late evening that brought about a cool breeze and thick clouds, it soon led to sharp showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. While these are just pre-monsoon showers rains as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) says the monsoon is still a few days away, Mumbaikars lost no time welcoming the change in weather, they hopped out of their homes to get wet, headed out on a drive and many woke up to a cooler day and shared their excitement about it…
‘The hint of petrichor was so refreshing’
Corporate executive Tamanna Mahtani from Colaba is gung-ho about the weather. She says, “It had rained all night and it was so lovely wake up to the changed atmosphere. I stepped out early today and there was the hint of petrichor in the air, which was really refreshing. I walk at Marine Drive regularly and I had been taking pictures of the scenic sunset in the summer and now I can’t wait to capture the monsoon on camera, too.”
Shares Sudha Gurnani, compliance officer in the securities market, “I’m so happy that the pre-monsoon rains have begun and I think it has just changed the mood completely since yesterday. Best part is that the wet weather gives you a chance to enjoy both indoors and outdoors. I love going on long drives in the city so I plan to do that, soon. It’s also lovely to stand and look up at the sky and soak in all that beauty. And if you are home, you can have hot tea and just watch the rain falling.”
Cycling, trekking is on the agenda, too

For some, the wet weather means a chance for adventure. Pankit Fariya, an entrepreneur from Ghatkopar who’s also an avid cyclist, says, “I was looking forward to the rains as I’m waiting to ride to Bandra, NCPA and Gateway of India. Will then go and have bun-maska chai at Café Delight or some hot vada pav. The view of the Sea link from Bandra Fort at this time is also amazing. I feel that the sea has a different mood in the monsoons; it’s as though the waves are dancing and it’s so peaceful to watch.”
Adds Reeva Mascarenhas, third-year student at St Andrews College, Bandra. “Of course, I love the rains! Especially as it had become really hot during the last few weeks owing to the heatwave. Now that it has started raining the climate is cooler and it looks so different in just one or two showers. I enjoy playing outdoor sports so that will be fun when it rains. I also plan to go on a trek during monsoons, which is something I love doing.”
Flood of messages, memes greet first rains

Netizens did not miss the opportunity to unleash a meme-fest around the rains on social media. Twitter and Instagram were awash with posts, pictures and messages around the pre-monsoon showers. Many shared pictures of having chai at home while enjoying the wet view. One user tweeted, “#FirstRains Always such a magical feeling #MumbaiRains”, while another wrote, “Tip Tip Barsa Pani 🌦💧#MumbaiRains”.