Light to Moderate Showers Hit Mumbai; Orange Alert Issued

Mumbai residents experienced a respite from yesterday's deluge as light to moderate showers swept through the city on Monday morning, easing the aftermath of heavy downpours that had disrupted life across the metropolis. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that suburbs like Andheri and Bandra recorded nearly 100 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, contributing to waterlogging in low-lying areas but without major chaos. Civic officials noted smoother commutes, with local trains on Central and Western Railway lines operating normally despite minor delays, and no diversions required for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "orange alert" for Mumbai and its suburbs, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the day, potentially exceeding 115 mm in isolated spots. This follows Sunday's intense spell, when the city and suburbs were battered by over 100 mm in many areas, triggering widespread flooding and halting traffic. The IMD's 8 a.m. bulletin predicts a "cloudy sky with heavy rainfall," advising caution against urban flooding, especially in eastern suburbs where 77.89 mm was recorded in the last 24 hours, compared to 74.85 mm in the island city and 99.44 mm in the west. High tide is expected to peak at 3.01 meters around 3:27 p.m., followed by a low of 1.58 meters at 9:36 p.m., which could exacerbate coastal vulnerabilities.

Mumbai's monsoon season, typically from June to September, has been erratic this year, with September alone delivering over 1,200 mm—well above the monthly average—due to intensified low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea. Climate experts attribute such patterns to global warming, which amplifies extreme weather events in coastal megacities like Mumbai, home to 20 million people. Sunday's rains, peaking at 150 mm in Colaba, echoed the 2005 deluge that killed over 1,000, prompting BMC investments in drainage upgrades and early warning systems. While fatalities were avoided this time, the orange alert signals ongoing risks, with the IMD urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor updates via apps like Mausam.

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As the city braces for more rain, authorities have activated flood-control measures, including pumping stations at Dadar and Worli. Commuters reported lighter traffic on the Eastern Express Highway, but experts warn of potential disruptions if intensity escalates. This episode reinforces Mumbai's perennial battle with monsoons, blending relief with readiness as the financial capital navigates its wettest month.

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