Mumbai wakes up to monsoon-like showers, IMD warns of more rain ahead

Mumbai rain

Mumbai woke up to a dramatic shift in weather this week, as heavy unseasonal rains, thunderstorms and gusty winds swept across the city and its neighbouring districts. According to a Mid_day report, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) responded by upgrading its alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region from yellow to orange, signalling a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas and urging residents to brace for more intense weather conditions in the coming days.

The sudden downpour began late Tuesday, following a period of unusually high temperatures that saw both Santacruz and Colaba observatories record maximums of 34°C, with minimums hovering well above the seasonal average.

The IMD attributed this spell of pre-monsoon showers to a "very strong" western disturbance at lower atmospheric levels, which brought in significant moisture and triggered the clash of westerly and easterly winds-classic ingredients for thunderstorms in the region.

By Wednesday morning, widespread rainfall had lashed areas from Dahisar and Borivli to Andheri, Powai and Lalbaug, accompanied by lightning and winds gusting up to 50–60 kmph in some pockets. The IMD’s nowcast warning predicted these conditions would persist until at least May 9, with the weather expected to ease only from May 10 onwards. Daytime temperatures are forecast to dip by 1–2°C, offering temporary relief from the recent heatwave.

Daily Weather Briefing English (07.05.2025)
YouTube : https://t.co/gYFeBs12jhFacebook : https://t.co/acPsigzFqG#imd #india #rain #weatherupdate #weatherforecast #Rainfall #mausam #thunderstorm #hailstorm #heatwave@moesgoi @ndmaindia @DDNational @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/mCvTNtjJXq India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 7, 2025

The impact was felt across the city as visibility dropped, traffic slowed and even suburban railway services faced disruptions after debris was blown onto overhead equipment in Dahisar.

Neighbouring districts like Thane, Palghar and Raigad have also been put on alert, with similar weather patterns expected to continue through the week. The IMD has advised caution, especially during afternoon and evening hours when thunderstorm activity tends to peak.

Meteorologists say these pre-monsoon showers are not unusual for May, but the intensity has caught many off guard. “The interaction between westerly and easterly winds in the atmosphere can bring thunderstorms,” explained Sushma Nair, scientist at IMD Mumbai was quoted by Hindustan Times, adding that such spells are common precursors to the monsoon.