Mumbai witnessed heavy rainfall on Wednesday as the southwest monsoon strengthened over the city a day after officially arriving in Maharashtra's capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai and neighbouring Palghar district, warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Several low-lying areas reported waterlogging following overnight showers, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain cautious.

According to the IMD's nowcast warning issued at 4 a.m., thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, intense to very intense spells of rain and wind speeds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph were expected at isolated locations across Mumbai and Palghar. Meanwhile, neighbouring Thane district remains under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.

The weather department said atmospheric conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance further into additional parts of Maharashtra as well as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in the coming days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast across parts of the Konkan region and Goa this week, while several areas in Madhya Maharashtra are expected to receive significant precipitation.

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Mumbai had already recorded substantial rainfall on Tuesday. Data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed that Nair Hospital received 78.96 mm of rainfall between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Other areas also witnessed considerable showers, with N.M. Joshi Marg Municipal School in Lower Parel recording 74.4 mm and the South Ward Office registering 72.63 mm during the same period.

Despite the red alert and reports of waterlogging, no official announcement has been made regarding the closure of schools and colleges in Mumbai. The BMC has not issued any directive instructing educational institutions to suspend classes on Wednesday. Students, parents and school administrations have been advised to stay alert and monitor official communications for any changes in the situation.

The arrival of the monsoon is expected to bring relief from the prolonged pre-monsoon heat that affected large parts of Maharashtra over recent weeks. Meteorologists have indicated that maximum temperatures across the state could decline by up to five degrees Celsius through Thursday as widespread rainfall and cloud cover continue to influence weather conditions.

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