The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast warning for Mumbai and neighbouring districts, forecasting moderate to intense spells of rain on Thursday as southwest monsoon activity continues across Maharashtra. An orange alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad, while Palghar has been placed under a red alert, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

The warning comes after Mumbai and surrounding regions witnessed widespread rainfall for the third consecutive day. Heavy showers on Wednesday led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas, slowing vehicular movement and disrupting suburban train services during peak hours. The IMD has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Mumbai and its suburbs during the next 24 hours, accompanied by gusty winds, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.

According to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai received an average rainfall of 49 mm between 8 am and 6 pm on Wednesday. The eastern suburbs recorded 99 mm of rainfall, while the western suburbs received 90 mm, highlighting the uneven but intense nature of the monsoon showers across the city. Several areas experienced temporary flooding as drainage systems came under pressure due to the persistent downpour.

Also Read: Powai Lake Overflows as Heavy Rains Continue to Lash Mumbai

Rainfall measurements from the IMD's observatories also reflected the intensity of the weather system. The Santacruz observatory recorded 108 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm, while the Colaba observatory registered 30 mm during the same period. The significant difference between the two stations underscores the highly localised nature of monsoon rainfall, with some parts of Mumbai receiving substantially heavier showers than others.

With the monsoon expected to remain active over Maharashtra, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have advised citizens to stay updated with official weather bulletins. Civic agencies have urged residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to exercise caution, while commuters have been asked to plan their journeys in advance as heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging, traffic congestion and disruptions to public transport. The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity is likely to persist over the coming days, making continued vigilance essential across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and particularly Palghar, where the red alert signals the potential for extremely heavy rain and associated hazards.

Also Read: IMD Issues Orange Alert for Mumbai As Heavy Rains Trigger Major Traffic Snarls