MUMBAI, June 15: Mumbaiites today were witness to pre-monsoon showers accompanied by thunder and occasional lightning throughout the day.

According to Metereology Department director Dr Shyamala, the rains are expected to arrive about 24 hours from now. They have presently reached Alibag, and are well-entrenched about 100 kms from the city.

She pointed out that the difference between pre-monsoon showers and the actual monsoons is that the latter have a uniformly heavy precipitation that is usually not accompanied by thunderstorms. Another indentification of pre-Monsoon showers is that they generally occur in the afternoons and evenings rather than at night.

As per the Colaba weather bureau, the forecast shows heavy thunder showers over the city and suburbs. Fishermen have been issued warnings against sailing along the Maharashtra coast. No significant change in day temperature is expected.

Meanwhile, inquiries at the suburban railway controls reveal that local trains were not disrupted due to the showers.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.