Mumbai hits 27% seasonal rainfall, lakes reach 60% capacity

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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts, forecasting heavy rainfall and gusty winds until July 9. Raigad and Ratnagiri are under an orange alert, with "heavy to very heavy" downpours expected, according to the IMD’s Mumbai office, according to a Lokmat Times report.

A cyclonic circulation over Madhya Pradesh has intensified monsoon activity across Maharashtra’s Konkan region and the ghats of Madhya Maharashtra. Lightning and thunder accompanied by occasional winds reaching 45-55 kmph are very likely during this period, the IMD reportedly stated. Mumbai’s suburbs may see stronger gusts of 50-60 kmph in isolated areas.

Since Sunday, Mumbai has experienced moderate to heavy showers, with the eastern suburbs recording 28 mm of rain and the western suburbs 23 mm in 24 hours. The Colaba observatory reported 684 mm of rainfall this season, surpassing last year’s 558 mm for the same period. Santacruz logged 649 mm, up from 443 mm in 2024. The city has already received 26.81% of its seasonal rainfall.

As per FPJ, the downpour has significantly boosted water levels in the seven lakes supplying Mumbai, now at 59.56% capacity, a sharp rise from 10.88% on the same date in 2024. Upper Vaitarna (71.50%), Modak Sagar (75.46%) and Middle Vaitarna (71.66%) are the highest contributors, while Bhatsa, the largest reservoir, stands at 50.19%.

Authorities have cautioned residents about high tides peaking at 3.70 metres during the morning and 3.16 metres at night. Low tides will dip to 1.12 metres early Tuesday. The IMD’s forecast for Mumbai predicts a "generally cloudy sky with heavy rainfall at a few places," with temperatures hovering between 25°C and 31°C in the next 24 hours. FPJ reported.