IMD Issues Warning of Heavy Rainfall in Mumbai and Thane; ‘Orange’ Alert in Effect

Mumbai, July 18, 2023: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy spells of rain in parts of Mumbai and Thane districts over the coming hours. The city of Mumbai experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, with an average of 88.24mm recorded.

Santacruz recorded 119.9mm, Colaba 106.0mm, Dahisar 93mm, Ram-mandir 82.5mm, Chembur 70.5mm, Vidyavihar 106.5mm, Byculla 81mm, CSMT 111mm, Matunga 74mm, and Sion 91mm during the last 24 hours. Several areas, including Bandra, Dahisar, Chembur, Fort, Matunga, and Byculla, reported heavy rainfall on Monday night.

The IMD has issued an ‘orange’ alert for Mumbai and adjoining areas until July 19. Palghar and Thane districts are under the same warning until July 20, while Raigad is on an ‘orange’ alert until July 21.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Mumbai has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for Palghar on Tuesday and an ‘orange’ alert for Wednesday and Thursday. RMC predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of these districts over the next two days.

Matheran hill station in Raigad district received a substantial 9cm of rain in 24 hours until 8:30 am on Monday. Thane district recorded a total rainfall of 46.4mm.

The IMD also warns of isolated instances of ‘extremely heavy’ rainfall in the Konkan region on July 19, with over 204.4mm of rain in a single day.

The development of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is strengthening the offshore monsoon trough near Maharashtra, leading to a monsoon revival in Mumbai and adjacent parts of the Konkan.

The heavy rainfall has disrupted suburban services of the Central Railway, with an express train engine reporting failure. Local trains in the city are running 20-25 minutes behind schedule.

Over the next week, Mumbai is predicted to experience a maximum temperature of 28-29°C and a minimum temperature of around 24°C. The skies will remain cloudy and overcast, with little to no sunlight expected.