IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Mumbai; Monsoon Expected by June 23, Water Stock at 8.68%
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Mumbai on Sunday afternoon, valid until June 24. The alert indicates the possibility of moderate rainfall, accompanied by lightning, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 40 km/h. In addition to Mumbai, yellow alerts have also been issued for Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts in Maharashtra.
Light rain was recorded in several areas of Mumbai on Sunday morning, including Worli (25 mm), Ghatkopar (24 mm), Lower Parel (21 mm), Chembur (20 mm), and Mankhurd (16 mm). The minimum temperature dropped by 3 degrees Celsius following the rainfall, with the Santacruz observatory recording 25.8°C and Colaba 26.7°C, compared to 28.6°C on Saturday.
IMD scientist Sushma Nair stated that sporadic rain is expected to continue until June 23, the anticipated date for the monsoon's arrival in Mumbai. “At present, the state is getting set for monsoon onset; as a result, we are witnessing these kinds of spells of sporadic rains. This phenomenon is absolutely normal, and we are hoping that monsoon rains will make landfall by June 23,” she said.
The monsoon was initially expected on June 11 but was delayed due to the El Niño phenomenon, a global climatic event that disrupts typical wind and atmospheric patterns. This delay has led to heatwave conditions and high humidity in Mumbai and other Indian cities since March 2026.
Mumbai's water scarcity is expected to continue as the recent rains have not affected the catchment areas of the seven lakes that supply water to the city. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as of June 21, the total water stock stood at 1.25 lakh million litres, or 8.68 per cent of full capacity. No rainfall was recorded in the catchment areas in the previous 24 hours. The lake-wise stock shows Upper Vaitarna and Middle Vaitarna at 0 per cent, Modak Sagar at 23.8 per cent, Tansa at 3.04 per cent, and others.
Nair added, “As of now, rain is only predicted along the coastline of Maharashtra. Since these lakes are located deep in the hinterland, the chances of their catchment areas receiving substantial rainfall do not seem favourable at this time.”
