Maharashtra weather: Mumbai rains trigger orange alert, IMD issues red alert in Raigad

Mumbai rain

Mumbai and its neighbouring districts are grappling with heavy rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the city on Tuesday, warning residents to steer clear of coastal and low-lying areas. Thane and Pune were also placed under an orange alert, while Raigad faced a red alert and Palghar a yellow alert, according to a News18 report.

The IMD forecast moderate rain in parts of Mumbai and Thane over the next few hours, with isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. An orange alert indicates heavy rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours. Light to moderate showers are expected across the city and suburbs over the next four days.

The downpour has already disrupted travel, with airlines advising passengers to account for slower traffic and potential flight delays. IndiGo tweeted: “There’s a heavy downpour over #Mumbai at the moment, causing some temporary disruption to flight schedules. If you are travelling today, please be aware of potential delays and allow additional time for your journey, especially with traffic moving slower than usual.”??

Meanwhile, Raigad district authorities declared a holiday for schools in six talukas - Tala, Roha, Pali, Mahad, Poladpur and Mangaon - following the IMD’s red alert, as reported by Mid-Day. District Collector Kishan Jawale issued the order as a precautionary measure amid intense overnight rains.

Mumbai’s water reserves have seen a boost, with lakes supplying the city now at 78.3% capacity, per Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data. Modak Sagar is completely full, while Middle Vaitarna and Tansa lakes are at 94.16% and 84.41%, respectively, as per Mid-Day. The BMC relies on these reservoirs, including Upper Vaitarna and Bhatsa, to meet the city’s daily water needs.

As the rains continue, the IMD has urged residents to exercise caution when outdoors. Colaba recorded 12.2 mm of rainfall, while Santacruz saw 38.2 mm, with temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Celsius.