Mumbai on red alert today: Arabian Sea to dump heavy rain as monsoon strengthens
In recent days, the torrential rain has inundated roads, disrupted train services, delayed flights, uprooted trees and triggered landslides along the Mumbai-Pune rail corridor.
Mumbai remained on high alert on Monday, July 6, after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The warning covers Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar and Raigad, where intense rain is expected to continue through the day.
The IMD has also cautioned about rough sea conditions and the possibility of localised flooding, while a high tide is likely to worsen waterlogging in low-lying parts of the city.
In view of the deteriorating weather, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC) declared a holiday for government offices, schools and colleges, urging residents to remain indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary.
HOW WILL MUMBAI'S WEATHER BE?
According to the IMD, Mumbai will remain under the influence of an active southwest monsoon, with heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy falls.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds are also expected.
The weather agency said the current spell is being fuelled by moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea and favourable monsoon conditions along Maharashtra's Konkan coast.
These systems are continuously feeding rain-bearing clouds over the region, increasing the likelihood of prolonged heavy showers.
The IMD has advised people to avoid venturing into flood-prone areas, stay away from the seafront during rough weather and closely follow updates issued by civic authorities, as rainfall intensity could increase rapidly within a short period.
RAIN HITS MUMBAI
The heavy rainfall is not confined to Mumbai. Several parts of the Konkan coast, including Thane, Palghar and Raigad, are also witnessing widespread heavy showers under the active monsoon.
Mumbai has witnessed one of its wettest spells of the season over the past week.
The torrential rain has inundated roads, disrupted suburban train services, delayed flights, uprooted trees and triggered landslides along the Mumbai-Pune rail corridor.
At least three people have died in rain-related incidents, including accidents involving falling trees.
With the southwest monsoon remaining vigorous over western India, forecasters expect Mumbai to continue receiving frequent spells of rain over the next couple of days.
While the intensity may fluctuate, officials have warned that heavy showers could continue to disrupt transport, civic services and daily life until the active monsoon phase begins to weaken later this week.