environment

Mumbai on Red Alert as IMD Predicts Intense Rainfall Over Weekend

Published on: 03 Jul 2026, 03:14 PM

Heavy rains continued to lash Mumbai and its neighbouring districts of Thane, Raigad and Palghar on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing the season's first red alert for Mumbai starting Saturday. The alert signals that rainfall is expected to intensify over the weekend, raising concerns about waterlogging and disruptions.

For the fifth consecutive day, several parts of the city recorded over 100 mm of rainfall within 24 hours. While the IMD observatories reported only 18 mm of rain between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Friday, the showers intensified later in the evening.

Data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that between 8 am on Thursday and 6 am on Friday, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in Mandavi (150 mm), followed by Malabar Hill (145 mm), Fort (140 mm), Andheri (136 mm), Versova (129 mm), Powai (124 mm) and Bhandup (117 mm).

The sustained downpour has led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, affecting road traffic and suburban train services. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The IMD has cautioned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Mumbai and its suburbs over the next 48 hours, with extremely heavy falls at isolated places.

BMC officials said they have deployed pumps and rescue teams in vulnerable areas. The public has been urged to stay away from coastal areas and avoid venturing into waterlogged streets due to the risk of electrocution and accidents.

Source: Indian Express

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