The rainy season in India is off to a fast start across western and central parts of the nation.

Torrential rain and strong winds have impacted many areas from Kollam north to Mumbai, with widespread daily rainfall totals of 1-3 inches (25-75 mm) being reported. One location, Honavar, recorded 5.32 inches (135 mm) of rain Friday.

In Mumbai, 4.56 inches (115 mm) have already fallen this month as the rainy season got off to an early start. The season typically doesn’t start in Mumbai until June 10.

June is typically one of the wettest months for Mumbai, which usually receives about 23 inches (584 mm). Should the monsoon persist as it typically does, Mumbai could receive more than 30 inches (762 mm) of rain this month, well above normal.

An area of low pressure off the west coast of India has aided the early start to the monsoon season, sending plumes of deep, tropical moisture over the country. The result has been daily bursts of heavy rain.

This area of low pressure will remain spinning off the west coast of India through the middle of next week. Daily rainfall totals of 3-5 inches (75-125 mm) are expected.

While the monsoonal rain helps sustain life in India, it comes at a price. If too much rain falls in too short of a period, flooding results. This could be the case over the next few days as the early season start could lead to flooding across the region.