The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and its surrounding districts, forecasting “extremely heavy rainfall” in the region. The alert, released on Wednesday evening, is valid until 8:30 AM on Thursday.
The city has been witnessing continuous rainfall since the afternoon, and the IMD upgraded its earlier orange alert to a more severe red alert, indicating the potential for dangerous weather conditions. A civic official confirmed the change, emphasizing the likelihood of increased rainfall intensity overnight.
In its 5:30 PM advisory, the IMD predicted “extremely heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds at isolated places” across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts. Additionally, an orange alert remains in place for the coastal regions of Palghar and Sindhudurg, where “heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds at isolated places” are also expected.
Heavy rains have led to significant disruptions in several parts of Mumbai. The island city and suburban areas have seen intense downpours since the evening, with Mulund and its neighboring areas experiencing the heaviest rainfall. Low-lying regions are already grappling with waterlogging, posing a challenge to residents and commuters alike.
The heavy downpour has also caused major delays in road traffic due to waterlogging and reduced visibility. Moreover, Mumbai’s suburban train services, a critical lifeline for the city, were reported to be running behind schedule due to the rains, according to officials.
With more rainfall expected throughout the night, the authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and take necessary precautions against flooding and waterlogging.
