Mumbai Braces for Thunderstorms as Monsoon Arrival Delayed, Orange Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for Mumbai, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall over the next three hours. The southwest monsoon is expected to reach the city later on Monday or Tuesday (June 22 or 23, 2026), marking a delay from the usual June 10 arrival.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shared the nowcast warning on Monday, noting that winds at 30-40 kmph and spells of rain are likely in some areas. Residents have been advised to take precautions during thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Pre-monsoon showers, lightning, and thunderstorms lashed parts of Mumbai, including Bandra East, leading to waterlogging and traffic disruptions in several locations. Between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., the city recorded 17 mm of rainfall, with western suburbs receiving 10 mm. Some areas experienced intense downpours: Savitribai Phule BMC School at Worli Naka recorded 61 mm in an hour, while Pali Chimbai School and Supari Tank BMC School in Bandra each recorded 70 mm.
The IMD stated that conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance into parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh around June 23. The delay is attributed to El Nino effects, which stalled the monsoon's progress after it entered south Konkan earlier this month.
In addition, the IMD has warned of heatwave conditions over Vidarbha, East Madhya Pradesh, and East Uttar Pradesh for the next four to five days. Rainfall is likely over northeast India until June 25 and over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim until June 22.
